Sports
Deputy Speaker Tasks Politicians On Grassroot Sports Dev
The Deputy Speaker of
the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Leyii Kwanee has charged politicians in the state to evolve strategies aimed at encouraging youths to take part in sports activities.
Kwanee who made the charge last Monday in Port Harcourt at a reception in honour of one of his grassroot sports product, Dumka Neebari lauded the player for being level headed and committed to the game of soccer and for taking advantage of the sports development scheme to get the level he was now.
Neebari, a product of the deputy speaker’s grassroot youth sports development scheme has gone professional soccer in a Mongolian league.
He urged the player to work hard to ensure that he comes into the European league in order to assist other Ogoni brothers who are good in the game of soccer to play international professional soccer.
“When we came on board, we assured the Nyokhana people that by God’s grace we will raise the likes of Josephy Yobo. It is a thing of joy it has started manifesting. We give all the glory to God”, he said.
Earlier in his speech, Dumka Neebani had thanked the deputy speaker for advancing his football career by setting up Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi football club of Nyokhana which became a platform for him to improve his soccer career.
He urged him to continue to empower Ogoni youths and assured him that history would never forget his role to improve the standard of living and status of the Ogoni youths.
“It is a happy thing in my life to leave the country to Mongolia to play professional soccer because I have struggled for years. I thank the Deputy Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee for taking me out of the village,” he said.
Also speaking, the Manager of Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Football Club of Nyokhana, Pastor Salvation Moses praised the deputy speaker and urged other prominent Ogoni leaders to emulate him.
“Neebani is from Nyokhana in Khana Constituency II, represented by Hon Leyii Kwanee. This same constituency has produced similar leaders of his status before, even a distinguished senator but none of them was able to record this kind of achievement”, he said.
“Neebari here few months back was in the village languishing in criminality. A lot of people had written him off. But the deputy speaker came, saw, spotted the talent in him and brushed him up. Today, he is being hunted by different clubs in the world. As I am talking to you right now, here is his visa. In the next 48 hours, he will be travelling to Mongolia. I want to thank you for your effort and pray that God will bless you abundantly. If you recalled gentlemen of the press, few months ago, we were in his office to thank him for one of us, Mr Dumteh Pygbara, who now plays for our national team”.
He further disclosed that another soccer star produced by the deputy speaker’s sports development scheme would be signing a contract deal with Enyimba Football Club soon.
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.