Sports
Ugwuanyi Charges Philanthropists On Grassroots Sports Dev
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has appealed to philanthropists and sports lovers to support the Enugu State Government’s grassroots sports development drive to discover hidden talents.
Ugwuanyi made the plea last Wednesday while inaugurating two professional boxing rings at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The boxing rings were donated by Charles Ike, the Chairman of CEADAD Promotions who is an indigene of the state.
Tidesports source reports that the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Joseph Udedi, said the government was open to partnerships with individuals and organisations to promote sports and create viable jobs for youths through it.
The governor, however, thanked the donor, while assuring the people that the equipment would be put into good use for the benefit of upcoming boxing stars.
Earlier, the Chairman, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Youths, Sports and Security, Chief Nelson Uduji, also thanked the donor for the gesture.
Uduji extolled the supportive role of Governor Ugwuanyi toward sports growth and development in the state.
The donor, Charles Ike, thanked the governor, the commissioner and Enugu State Boxing Association Board for their efforts in repositioning the sport in the state.
“‘I am assuring you people that I will continue to do my best to support boxing until boxing take its centre stage among sports in the state and beyond.
“‘However, I call on other philanthropists and lovers of sports to join hands and work together to actualise this in the state,” Ike said.
Responding, Vice-Chairman of Enugu State Boxing Association board, praised the efforts of Governor Ebere Amaraizu, Ugwuanyi which, he said, had re-shaped sports development.
According to Amaraizu, Ugwuanyi’s effort in sports development is yielding positive dividends, which is reflected in the winning of many laurels by the state contingent in various competitions.
He thanked the donor and assured him of proper use and protection of the equipment.
“These two boxing rings will go a long way in helping us in various boxing clinics, training and competitions meant to further develop the sport in the state,” he said.
Highlight of the occasion was demonstration boxing bout in one of the rings and giving of appreciation plaque on behalf of the boxing association board to Gov. Ugwuanyi as well as the donor.
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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