Sports
Ex-Commissioner Urges Active Participation In Sports
Nigerians have been charged to embrace sports as part of life which participation should not be restricted to festivals and entertainment.
The former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Rivers State, Mrs Vivian Braide gave the advice Saturday at the 13th Annual Inter-House Sports competition of Immanuel International School, Abuloma in Port Harcourt.
Mrs Braide, who is currently the Special Adviser to the Governor on New University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, said by nature, sports is supposed to be a routine in life.
“Don’t wait for inter-house sports or any competitive sports festivals before indulging in sports,” she remarked.
The former Commissioner while speaking as the Special Guest of honour at the event, urged parents to encourage their children and wards to always see sports as integral part of life, nothing that academic activities alone could not make a complete school system without sports.
General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celstine Ogolo, expressed the need for private schools to provide facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports.
Mr. Ogolo, who was chairman of event, explained that the nation has created sports potentials, maintained that stakeholders across the nation should be part of efforts in developing sports from primary to secondary school level.
The general manager recommended that private schools that lack space for sports facilities could consider moving to decongested parts of the state to create room for sports development.
Represented by the Group News Editor of The Tide, Mr. Nelson Chukwudi, the general manager commended authorities of Immanuel International School for putting in place sports facilities for the development of sports.
Earlier, the principal of the school, Pastor Geraldine Kalango said the school was committed to sports development as it has facilities for all necessary sporting activities.
“We don’t compromise with P.E. Health which is compulsory at basic level, and general sports which we observe twice weekly,” she said.
Mrs Kalango further disclosed that the school has won laurels and other recognitions at regional, national and international levels, and was determined to win more recognition in sports.
Meanwhile, Peace House won the first position with 197 points, Faith House got second position with 174 while Charity House came third with 159 points. Mr West Gogo emerged over all best participant.
Chris Oluoh
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.