Sports
Niger Delta Sports Festival: Bayelsa Sports Ministry Inaugurates Liaison Committee
The Bayelsa State Liaison committee for the Niger Delta Sports Festival has been inaugurated in Yenagoa, the State capital, ahead of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival slated for 1st -9th of April, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The inauguration which took place at the Ministry of Sports Development had all members of the committee including the representative of the Project Consultants, Dumanis Icon Limited, in attendance.
Inaugurating the committee, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development,Mrs. Grace Alagoa, urged the committee to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, stating that their nomination was as a result of their contribution to the development of sports over the years.
She noted that with the experience of those in the committee, she is confident that the personalities nominated to pilot the affairs of the committee would give the state good representation when the event commences.
According to ?Dumanis icon, the need to organize the competition became imperative due to the regions dominance at the national level, pointing out that the caliber of persons steering the affairs of the NDDC signifies the commission value for sports development apart from building bridges and constructing roads in the region.
Noting that sports is a leading part of the global economy, the Consultants pointed out that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would change the trajectory of sports for the people in the region particularly for the region that has produced great athletes for the nation, saying that the committee was set to help drive the process of trials in the various states.
Earlier in an address of welcome, chairman of the committee and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, said the state was ready to consolidate on its previous record in the national sports festival describing Bayelsa as the latest hub in sports in the nation.
In an acceptance remark secretary of the committee Mr. Loveday Herbert asserted that the committee is prepared to discharge their duties effectively.
The Bayelsa State Liaison Committee has Sir Braveman Wodi as Chairman, Loveday Herbert will serve as secretary, other members are Catherine Sasuode, George Mark , Perela Aboroson, Ama-Ebi Wilson Ebikpolade, Chief Kia Nigeria, Mrs. Iteke Walama and Anthony Alabrah.
Other committee members are Bomo Kigigha, Blessing Oborududu, Inifa Gagbe, Okiki Felix and Kingdom Korumene.
Shortly after the inauguration, the committee held a brief meeting and resolved to work towards realizing the objective of the games. However, members wish to know about logistics because this is to enable officials and coaches to move to schools and localities in the riverine areas where transportation is not easily accessible. Places like Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local areas where local swimmers are residing, need mobilization to get them ready.
Members of Rivers State Liaison Committee for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival. Middle is the chairman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke. From left, Sepribo Gilbert Nimifaa, Gabriel Nwanetanya, Salubi Awuereba, Emmanuel Nwuju, Ugwi Joseph and Allwell Egwurugwu
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.
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