Sports
Delta Inaugurates Committee For 18th NSF
The Delta State Government has inaugurated
an 18-member Central Organising Committee to ensure adequate preparation for
18th National Sports Festival, tagged “Eko 2012’’ in Lagos.
Inaugurating the committee in Asaba early
in the week, the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, said its primary
function would be to oversee the preparation of “Team Delta’’.
Utuama said the committee was expected to
determine the financial implications of the state’s participation and to ensure
adequate provision of sports equipment and kits for the athletes.
He said that the objective was to ensure
successful participation of Team Delta with a view to reclaiming its prime
position at the event holding from November 27 to December 9.
“You are expected to determine the
financial implications of the state’s participation and to ensure adequate
provision of sports equipment and kits for the state’s athletes.
“Most importantly, you are to ensure the
successful participation of Team Delta with a view to reclaiming its prime
position,’’ he said.
The deputy governor charged members of the
committee, whom he described as distinguished professional sports organisers,
administrators and Deltans with proven integrity, to handle the assignment with
the patriotic zeal it required.
He said the committee members were chosen
to assist the government in discharging the enormous responsibility of
preparing the state’s contingent that would represent Delta credibly.
“You are, therefore, expected to prepare a
contingent that will be going to Lagos to conquer by returning the state to its
number one position in the country,’’ Utuama said.
Utuama cautioned the committee, chaired by
the Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mr Amaju Pinnick, to avoid
over-confidence in preparing Team Delta, noting that over-confidence was a
fore-runner of failure.
He appealed to youths, communities and the
private sector to cooperate with the committee to ensure its success.
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.