Sports
Group Promotes Grassroots Sports Dev
A group, 5E Concept Sports Management and Development, has joined other stakeholders to promote grassroots sports development in Lagos communities.
Speaking on the programme, 5E Concepts Team Lead, Sports Management and Development Unit, Mr. Anthony Obi, said: “There has been sports reduction in community participation, understanding of the rules, passion and followership when compared to the past.”
Speaking during a virtual panel discussion on ‘Securing a sustainable and peaceful future for all,’ Obi said sports programmes are powerful tools for grassroots development and learning, adding, “from an early age, sport provides children, including the most marginalised, with opportunity to develop their physical abilities and health, to socialise, to build leadership skills, to foster lifelong learning and to learn and have fun.”
The special guest and head of Child Protection Network (CPN), Lagos State Chapter, Awofeso Rasheed, emphasised the importance of sports to the wellbeing of young people, development of the society and the economy if properly enhanced.
Another member of panel and Executive Secretary, Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Mrs. lwalola Akin Jimoh, said vocational training, internship and business development, especially for young people, are funded by several parties.
According to her, the Foundation have been able to nurtured both boys and girls in some football and taekwondo academies for girls. Akin-Jimoh urged governments at all levels to do more in training and developing young people to reduce youth restiveness and various social vices.
Another speaker, Managing Director, Tswako Sports Foundation, Muhammad Sanni Tswako, said grassroots sports major problem is funding and sponsorship, which is not encouraging participation, development and growth of sports in the country.
He disclosed that Tswako Sports Foundation based in Abuja is basically focused on tennis development, supplying equipment, training young people and encouraging the game in schools.
Speech and Games Director, Andrew Esangbede, advocated promotion of board sports – Scrabble, Chess and others in Yaba Community, Lagos State, both private and public schools. He said the initiative promotes extra-curricular activities, and inter house indoor games, and prepare for competition for both learners (amateurs) and professionals.
Head Coach Tainhills Football Academy, Olawuyi Musheedeen, said grassroots sports is no longer encouraging for many reasons, adding, however, that there could be a change from policy makers.
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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