Sports
No Active, Good Athlete In Rivers Will Live In Penury – Barrister Green
Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, has reiterated his commitment that no good and active athlete in the state will be in penury.
According to him, he will give whatever that is due the State Sports Council, financially and otherwise to them, hence they are directly in-charge of sports, adding that the sports ministry plays the role of a supervisor and ensures accountability.
Barrister Green stated this when coaches, staff and athletes of the State Sports Council paid him a solidarity visit amidst protest against maladministration by previous leadership of the ministry, on Tuesday in his office.
He thanked the governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike, for upholding sports development tops in his administration and urged the council to put in their best to win the forthcoming National Sports Festival ( NSF), slated to hold in Asaba, Delta State, next month.
“The governor has charged me to get the best out of you. He doesn’t want second position but first, because nobody remembers second position.
‘I will take your message to His Excellency that you came tops in all the events at the zonal elimination in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. I know we have able athletes that can make the State proud.
“No active and good athlete in the State will live in penury because the lifespan of a sportsman is very short,” Barrister Green said.
He further assured them that all monies spent out of pocket during the zonal elimination will be refunded adequately and advised them to be disciplined at all times.
Earlier, the State male hockey coach, Iheanyi Collins, who read the message on behalf of Sports Council thanked Governor Wike for his passion to develop sports in all ramifications.
He said the administration of Barrister Green within the short period was worthy of emulation.
“Leadership is not judged by the amount of money a leader has or can share or the amount of noise he or she can make, leadership is judged with the amount of testimony by ordinary people and how that leadership has changed their lives. That is why we are here today to testify of your leadership’
“Commissioner Sir, your presence speaks volume of a new dawn for sports development in the State. I say this with every iota of truth, devoid of sentiment or prejudice”, coach Collins said.
By: Tonye Orabere
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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