Sports
Sports, Universal Drug For All Sicknesses -ITF DG
Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Joseph Ari, has described sports as “a universal drug for all sicknesses that must be taken by all”.
Ari made the assertion at the weekend in Jos, at the 5th inter-house athletics competition of the ITF Staff School.
“Sports unite all people. It excites everyone. It attracts everyone and brings sworn enemies together. Engaging in sports prevents a lot of ailments,” Ari said in a speech at the end of the competition.
The ITF boss, who was represented by Mrs. Augustina Igbeyi, ITF’s Director in charge of Business Training Development, said that sporting activities keep people fit and aid the quest for a healthy living.
He said that ITF was committed to promoting sports development and commended the principal and staff of the school for organising the competition.
Ari commended the students for exhibiting a spirit of love and togetherness throughout the exercise, and promised to execute projects that would create a conducive environment for sports activities and academics.
Earlier in her remarks, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Ekong Ndidi-Amaka, had said that the annual competition was aimed at fostering a better relationship among the students.
She urged the ITF management to upgrade the football field and provide badminton, tennis and handball courts.
“We also need additional spike shoes, stop watches and whistles,” she added.
The Plateau Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Victor Lapang, in his remarks, said that cricket would soon be introduced to schools in the state to develop the game.
Tidesports source gathered that six Houses participated in the track and field events that included 100, 200 and 400 metres races, as well as javelin, long and high jump, among others.
Green House emerged the overall winner and took home a cash prize of N60,000, while Red and Blue houses emerged Second and third respectively.
Speaking to NAN, the Games Captain of the school, John Adebayo, urged the management of ITF to repair the volley ball court to encourage students interested in that game.
He commended the organisers of the event, saying that the 2018 exercise was far better than previous ones.
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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