Bayelsa State appears set to host an international sports event in the state capital, less than six days to the visit of Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling the influx of people into the state, with attendant hope of a boost in the state economy.
About 2000 marathoners from all parts of Africa are expected in the state. Already, a team led by Mr. Nadeem Khan from World Athletics, the global body responsible for monitoring and regulating international athletics competitions, is already in the state for the event.
Senator Douye Diri, the state governor, is already excited about the world sports event and has said that his state was prepared to host the 10km international road race on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The race will commence from the Opolo roundabout and terminates at the Peace Park in the state capital, Yenagoa. At a world press conference in Yenagoa, Diri said his administration was committed to projecting the state as a centre for sporting activities, youth development and promotion of healthy living.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, he said the event would bring together national and international athletes, stimulate the local economy and set the tone for bigger international competitions as the state prepares to host the 2028 National Sports Festival.
Describing Saturday’s event as historic, Senator Diri enjoined all to participate in the competition as it was not just about the event but also about community and the future of sports in the state.
He said: “The Bayelsa State government under the leadership of Senator Douye Diri is positioning sports and youth development as well as promoting healthy living through hosting sporting events.
”We are inviting residents, visitors and the media to be part of this historic moment. The race is not just about the competition but it is also about community, healthy living and the future of sports in Bayelsa.”
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the Prosperity Government prioritised sports development as one of its cardinal policies for youth development.
She noted that this vision informed government’s huge investment in the sub-sector.
”We concluded another marathon race about few weeks ago in the state and for us as a government, sports and youth development is a priority. That is why government has made critical investments in the sub-sector.
”This race attracts athletes from different parts of the world and it will encourage our youths and others. I believe that this is one of the ways government can encourage young people to develop themselves. So, I welcome all our partners to buy Bayelsa products.
“Let me add that the government has invested so much on security. So continue to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our state.”
First Vice President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, commended the state government for hosting the international event, describing it as historic.
Chief Ogba also hailed the Prosperity Government for its passion to encourage young people through sports and other forms of empowerment, and urged everybody to be part of the Olympic movement.
World Athletics representative and President, International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, commended Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organisers of the race, for striving to have elite athletes in international events.
He explained that although Nigeria had elite marathoners, none of them qualified to participate in the competition, noting that to be in the elite category, one must be among the top 300 in the world.
According to him, after tomorrow’s marathon, Bayelsa would be on the World Athletics calendar.
Khan stated that the winner will receive 5000 dollars, second place 3000 dollars while third place gets 2000 dollars.
He added that fourth and fifth placed runners will get 1000 and 500 dollars respectively.
Speaking also, Mrs. Olopade said the groundbreaking event would launch Bayelsa into the global stage of athletes.
