Sports
Dikko Pledges Support For NDF
The Chairman, National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko has assured the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation of the commission’s support in upscaling deaf sports and providing a platform for athletes with special needs to express themselves, Sunday.
Dikko gave the assurance while receiving an NDSF delegation led by its president Dagbo Saka at the NSC secretariat in Abuja on Friday.
“I congratulate you for the efforts you have been making to do what you love and live your passion despite your challenges. It shows your determination and belief in yourself. With more collaboration, I think we can be able to leave a lot of shared prosperity and hope between us and everyone involved,” Dikko said.
The NSC chairman revealed that budgetary provisions had been made for para sports development, including equipment and kits procurement to advance the sport.
“We are not just going to upscale the sport, we will set out to provide the needed platform for you to have that feel-good factor. We see it as a way to create jobs and help you earn a living,” he stated.
“We are here for sports generally. Sports is for everyone, men, women, people living with challenges. We are here for everyone. We are not showing preferences. We will definitely work to see that we resolve your immediate challenges as soon as possible.”
Dikko also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting people living with disabilities.
“The President is interested in giving everybody an opportunity. You know the President has a Special Adviser on disability matters or people living with challenges. That shows you how committed he is to the plight of people with disabilities, so we have to tag along. What we are doing with you here is actually a mandate from the President,” he added.
While commending the federation for their participation and success in international tournaments, the NSC boss urged them to expand their activities beyond national tournaments by organising developmental competitions across states.
He also requested the federation to submit their programme of activities for the year, in line with directives given to other sports federations.
Speaking on NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade’s commitment to para sports, Dikko said, “I want you to know that my DG is one of the best supporters of para sports. In his private capacity he had done so much for para sports. In fact, he had actually contested to be President of the Para Federation.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
Business2 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers2 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business2 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business2 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News3 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers2 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers2 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment2 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna