Sports
Edo Inaugurates Committee For Edo Sport Festival
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, on Friday inaugurated a 12-man planning committee for the fourth Edo State Sports Festival charging to work together as a team and a hitch-free event.
The 12-member committee has the Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, as Chairman, while Sabina Amiemoghena will serve as secretary.
While performing the inauguration of the committee in Government House, the deputy governor said the sports festival was part of the developmental strategy of the state government aimed at enhancing sports at the grassroots level.
“Research has shown that sports competition is a veritable platform to groom sportsmen and women, talents identification and enhancing the physical well-being of the people,” he said.
“The Edo State Government places a premium on grassroots sports, hence the state is participating in the National Sports Festival in May which will no doubt boost socio-economic development of communities of the state and enhance the physical and mental well-being of athletes during the festival.”He added, “I have confidence in the members of Edo Sports Commission with good track records and proven integrity to bring their vast experience to bear in organising a hitch-free sports festival.
“I will urge the committee members to work seamlessly together as a team, to ensure Edo State get the best for the National Sports Festival
“Responding on behalf of other members, Enabulele, said the inauguration of the committee was a testament of the unwavering commitment of Edo State Government to sports development.
He acknowledged the enormous task before the committee and assured that it would not leave any stone unturned to deliver on its mandate and make Edo State proud.
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.