Sports
Nasarawa Sensitizes Athletes On Dangers Of Doping
In preparation for the up coming National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta State in November, the Nasarawa State government under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has organised a sensitization workshop to lecture athletes on the danger of using performance-enhancing substances (doping)
Declaring the sensitization programme open yesterday at the Abacha Youth Centre Lafia, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lucky Yargwa, appreciated the organisers of the programme even as it is coming at a time when Nigerians are still celebrating the performance of athletes who won medals for the country at the just concluded Commonwealth games in Birmingham city.
He said that athletes welfare remains his priority as he had promised when he assumed office as the Commissioner that he would improve the take-home pay and other benefits entitled to them which he confirmed have been achieved.
On the facility for training, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Lafia city stadium which is under renovation is complete in due time as he raised concern about the way the contractors are handling the project but promised to ensure that the project is completed.
He further said he would ensure that the coaches and everyone involved in the process of the renewal of their contract be treated fairly adding that the packages will not be tampered with.
“I can assure you as you sign new contract with the state ministry, your package will be improved and whatever that will make you perform we are ready to help you get them.”
He, however, advised the athletes not to engage in any substance in-take as it has destroyed a lot of great athletes while urging them to pay attention to the lectures from the various resource persons.
On his part, Director, Research and Planning, Mr Ubba Musa stressed that it is the first time the ministry wais organising such a programme prior to a competition.
Ubba said the sensitisation programme will go a long way in educating the athletes on the dangers of doping and how it could be avoided.
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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