F.J.M Media

By- Alambo Datonye             Hosts, Edo State have topped eight other States to be crowned winners of the 2nd Niger Delta Games. The weeklong competition featured over three thousand athletes who partook in sixteen sporting events. The fiesta came to a climax with a colourful closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Edo State garnered a total of 111 medals made up of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze to finish the Games as overall champions ahead of Delta State with 102 medals comprising 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze and first edition winners, Bayelsa State who came third with 75 medals consisting of 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze. In a remark at the closing ceremony, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade said the initiative of the organisers of the Niger Delta Games was in sync with the vision of the Administration of President Bola Tinubu in according sports the priority it deserve...

… as relay teams strike silver medals at Niger Delta Games The rise of Bayelsa State in athletics was the topic on the lips of sports stakeholders and guests at the final day of the just concluded Niger Delta Games when the relay teams won 3 silver and bronze medals in Benin City, Edo State. Team Bayelsa unarguably presented the youngest contingents to the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival for Under-20 athletes. Although, Team Bayelsa relinquished the 4×100metres relay gold won last year for male to Delta in Benin City, the young athletes proved to the large spectators that something new truly is happening to track and field events in the state. The male relay quartet of Ebikiemo Ikadoi,  Sisan Efejuku, Perfect Faye and Tejiri Godwin settled for second place behind team Delta who had a clean swoop of gold medals on the track. Also, the quartet of 14-year old Ebimoboere Christopher, Perezide Sigah, Gift Allison and Faith Ezechukwu won silver in the 4×100m re...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, heartily felicitates with Dr. Peter Akpe on his historic swearing-in as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. The Chairman and members of the association describe Dr. Akpe’s emergence as a well-deserved elevation, considering his longstanding dedication to public service, administrative excellence, and unwavering commitment to the development of Bayelsa State. Dr. Akpe’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in the political and socio-economic advancement of the state. His wealth of experience, visionary leadership style, and grassroots connection are qualities that inspire confidence in a more prosperous and inclusive Bayelsa. SWAN Bayelsa acknowledges the critical role of government in the growth of sports as a tool for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and economic development.  As a body of professional sports journalists committed to promoting sporting excellence, the association expres...

‎.. Sports Development Incomplete Without Grassroots Input -- Dr Akpe.  ‎ ‎Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe says no meaningful sports development can take place without input from the grassroots. ‎  ‎The Deputy Governor made the assertion shortly after the formal presentation of the special, branded trophies for both male and female categories of the Prosperity Cup, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. ‎ ‎The presentation of the trophies to  Governor Douye Diri by the organisers of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament heralds this year's edition of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle. ‎ ‎The Deputy Governor, Dr. Akpe stated that "the development of sports is incomplete without the grassroots, so attention has to be paid to grassroots sports if we want our sports to grow to the next level". ‎ ‎Dr Akpe noted that the Prosperity Cup, the biggest grassroots football competition in the country, has ov...

Director of Sports in the Bayelsa Sports Council, Andrew Aye says the State contingent to the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City excelled despite their young age. The Director in an interview before the closing ceremony said every member of Team Bayelsa at the Festival was within the age bracket of 19 and below as specified in the rules by the organisers. He said unlike some States, Team Bayelsa focused on presenting younger athletes rather than being desperate to win at all costs. "Every medal we won here in Benin, we can bring the kids and say, take a look at them if they are not under 19 but some States didn't do that. To me Bayelsa won this competition technically because our athletes fall within the age range and we made sure we don't break the rules by the organisers. But, it's obvious that some other States they just want to get the trophy, just to win at all costs so they had to go extra mile which we can not do. Imagine some persons coming from Ni...

By- Alambo Datonye  As the 2026 Niger Delta Games in Benin City enters its closing day today, hosts Edo have taken an unassailable lead in the overall medals table. Team Edo State have so far garnered a total of 102 medals comprising 50 Gold, 30 Silver, and be 22 Bronze. Neighbours, Delta State trail in distant second spot with 91 medals, made up of 34 Gold, 26 Silver, and 31 Bronze. Winners of the first edition of the Games in Uyo, last year, Bayelsa are in 3rd position with 66 medals consisting of 23 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze while Akwa Ibom are 4th with 47 medals: 12 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze. Abia are 5th with 41 medals: 8 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze , Cross River occupy 6th place with 35 medals: 7 gold, 6 silver and 22 bronze, Rivers State are 7th with 41 medals: 6 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze. Ondo are 8th with 32 medals: 6 gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze as Imo are rooted  in bottom place with 29 medals: 4 gold, 8 silver and 17 bronze. Though the me...

Head Coach, Boxing in Bayelsa, Coach Tonye Agedah says he is proud of winning medals at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Edo state. Boxing event garnered one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Speaking shortly after the medal presentations at the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, the elated coach Agedah praised his boxers for not letting him down, and upgrading the medals they won last year in Uyo at the maiden edition of the games. Coach Tonye Agedah added that his team of boxers will continue to work harder to win more laurels, even as he stressed that his vision is to produce a heavyweight champion in the near future. Inemo Selemoboere clinched gold in the 65kg, her first gold in any event, Joseph Blessed Eluan got silver in the 60kg, Victor Sarah won bronze in the 51kg class, while Joseph Kemepadei also won bronze in the 70kg class.

‎ ‎. .. As FC Barcelona Technical Crew give Thumbs Up to Prosperity Cup Organizers. ‎ ‎All is now set for the kick-off of Season eight of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup. ‎ ‎This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi ahead of the kick-off of the showpiece. ‎ ‎According to Avi, the historic kick-off will see two Bayelsa selected sides, tutored by FC Barcelona Technical Directors in a Spanish-Bayelsa combo, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk on Thursday, 26th February 2026 at 7.30am at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.  ‎ ‎The statement states that the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is expected to lead members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the FC Barcelona team and other stakeholders to take the ceremonial kick-off.  ‎ ‎It explained that Governor Douye Diri would...

-- Occupy 3rd Spot in Medals Table  By- Alambo Datonye  Team Bayelsa added 5 more gold medals to their tally on day 4 of competition at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games, Edo 2026. Bayelsa won 5 gold medals on the opening day, and added 3 more gold medals the next day. On Monday, Bayelsa won 2 gold medals in Swimming, adding 1 silver and 1 bronze from the pool. They also earned 3 gold and 2 silver medals in Chess. Traditional Wrestling also raked in 1 silver and 1 bronze. As of Monday evening, Team Bayelsa are third in the overall medals table with 13 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze giving a total of 31 medals after 4 days of action.  Hosts, Edo State lead the medals table with 47 medals comprising 22 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze. Delta are 2nd with 44 medals made up of 14 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze. Abia are 4th, Cross River 5th, Rivers 6th , Akwa Ibom 7th and Imo 8th while Ondo are bottom with 2 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze bringing their total to 8 medals.

‎ ‎* ** As Bayelsa SSG Charges Football Managers to See Sports as Business ‎ ‎The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic got underway in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with a charge to football managers to explore the money-spinning component of the sport. ‎ ‎Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayawei, who gave the charge while speaking at the opening ceremony of the coaching clinic, noted that football, and indeed sports generally, was huge business, adding that football managers in the state should begin to pay attention to details and explore the money-spinning potentials of football. ‎ ‎Professor Ayawei urged the grassroots coaches to be diligent and patient to learn from the FC Barcelona officials, maintaining that the exercise would impact positively on the coaches when the competition commences.  ‎ ‎Regional Head, Premium Trust Bank, Yenagoa, Dr. Danjuma Omeje noted that the bank will continue to accord pri...

-- --- As Prosperity Cup/FC Barcelona International Coaching Clinic Gets Underway In Yenagoa  By Francis Joseph   The Director General of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament (Prosperity Cup) Mr. Ono Akpe has explained that grassroots coaching development is the key to football growth. Mr Akpe who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Prosperity Cup/ FC Barcelona international Coaching Clinic ahead of the 2026 Prosperity Cup explained that the main purpose of the programme is to enhance the competence of grassroots coaches across the state. He emphasized that football development must start from the foundation, where young talents are discovered and nurtured. According to him, equipping community coaches with modern training methods, tactical knowledge, and effective player management skills is crucial for sustainable growth. He described the initiative as a strategic step toward raising the overall standard of football in the state. Mr. Akp...

By- Alambo Datonye  Agnes John beat other contenders to earn gold medal for Team Bayelsa in the girls 100meters backstroke swimming event. Shortly after her victory from the Swimming pool at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Agnes expressed delight over her achievement. She said her target was to grow stronger and become more successful in the sport at national and global levels. Also Team Bayelsa took silver medal as Goodluck Edwin came second in the  boys 100m  freestyle event.

By-Alambo Datonye Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali says Team Bayelsa are in Benin City to compete for the top gong at the 2nd Niger Delta Games. Igali who made the assertion in an interview at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the Edo State capital however acknowledged that the contest for the overall winners at the fiesta would be fierce and stiff. ‘For the past 3 National Sport Festival, we have been in the top three, Third and second twice though in the last edition they said we were third, we believe we were second. So we can’t be considered as also ran. Bayelsa is among the top sporting States in the country. As for the Niger Delta Games, we won the first edition, and this second edition is different. The last one was a senior Festival for age 25 and under, now it’s 19 and under so we are now talking about junior athletes. Whoever wins here will be winning it for the first time. The one we won, no team can win it again so we are standing on a pedestal no...

By- Alambo Datonye Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe has given plaudits to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its investment in sports Development in the country. Mr. Akpe, driver of the vision of the biggest grassroots football competition in Africa, who spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, said the funding provided by the Commission had immensely triggered a sports revolution in the region and the nation at large. ‘What we saw in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the 1st edition of the Niger Delta Games and what we are seeing in the second edition in Benin City, shows that there is a deliberate and structured attempt to develop sports in the Niger Delta and in the country. We must therefore commend the NDDC for this, especially the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Chairman and the entire Board for this massive support for sports. Yes, it is en...

The Bomo Clan Unity Football Tournament in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has received a significant boost following the generous sponsorship of Hon. Charles Ebite. In a move widely applauded by stakeholders, the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area Political Secretary reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and sports development at the grassroots, noting that investing in community football remains one of the most effective ways to engage young people positively and promote unity across the Bomo Clan. As part of the support package, customised sets of jerseys and footballs were officially presented to the 18 registered clubs participating in the competition. Hon. Ebite also announced attractive prize money for the tournament.  The eventual winners will go home with ₦1.5 million, while the second-place team will receive ₦1 million, and the third-place finishers will be rewarded with ₦500,000. Speaking at Peremabowei community, Dr. Ebiki Timi...

By- Alambo Datonye  The Gold rush for Team Bayelsa at the 2nd Niger Delta Games began on day one of action with two gold medals in Taekwondo. Stanley Osajie and Onyimiebi Ere Victoria got the gold medals in the boys and girls events. Sarah Victor of Team Bayelsa won the opening contest of Boxing event at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City after her opponent failed clearance on medical grounds. In an interview shortly after her triumph at the Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, she said her target was to get a podium finish at the Games. In Handball, Team Bayelsa humiliated Cross River State 39-9 in the girls competition. Other events are ongoing across different venues in the Edo State capital.

It will be nostalgic for athletes under SAMKAY Athletics Club when they grace the tartan track in various track and field events at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City,the capital of Edo State . Perfect Faye, Gift Allison, Mekioniso Nathan, Ebikiemo Ikadoi, Samson Tebowei, Perezide Sigah, Faith Ezechukwu and Tokonii Itu all had their first championship experience on the track at the famous Ogbemudia Stadium. They were thrown into the  fray at the Olympic trials in June 2024, to compete with elite athletes including Tima Godbless, Favour Ashe and Victory Godah amongst others. However, two years after, with lots of championship experience, they are back in Benin City with team Bayelsa, not just to participate, but as some of the favourite to win laurels at the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games. Perfect will be aiming to continue his exploits at the last edition of National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State where he won both Gold and Silver in the one hundred and tw...

President Tinubu Reiterates FG’s Dedication to Sports Development By-Alambo Datonye The second Niger Delta Games got underway on Friday night with a colourful opening ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. It was an electrifying atmosphere inside the mainbowl of the Stadium in the Edo State capital characterized by pomp and fanfare as participating States lined up to register their presence in the traditional march past. Declaring the Games open, President Bola Tinubu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the advancement of sports as a cardinal pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, while highlighting the immense contributions of the Niger Delta to the development of the nation.  President Tinubu commended the organisers for initiating the competition which according to him would provide a platform for young athletes to excel. Represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan- Enoh, he emphasized that the...

‎Organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have concluded a one-day training for medical personnel ahead of the 2026 edition of the showpiece. ‎ ‎The exercise which was held at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Onopa Yenagoa had two sessions, practical and theoretical sessions. ‎ ‎The training for medical personnel is one of several pre-tournament capacity-building initiatives being put in place by the organizers of the tournament to prepare every department before the commencement of the competition. The training programmes started with the referees' refresher training, followed by the training for Medics. An FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic is scheduled to hold on Monday, February 23, with the Match Centre Coordinators and Media personnel training, coming up immediately after. ‎ ‎While speaking at the opening ceremony of the medical personn...

. .. As Tournament Organizers Conclude Season 8 Draws Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has charged multinational oil companies and other corporate organizations operating in the state to complement the efforts of government in the area of sports development. The Governor gave the charge while speaking during the presentation of branded jersey to him by members of the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup. Governor Diri also kick-started the process of the conduct of the official draws of the tournament. In addition, he performed the ceremonial distribution of kits -- comprising footballs, players and coaches' jerseys, shorts and football hoses, to three out of the 257 teams registered for the 2026 edition of the tournament, namely Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community and one of the para-soccer teams. Senator Diri, who expressed delight at how the tournament has g...

‎ ‎ Over a hundred referees from the Bayelsa State Referees Council have been equipped with officiating skills ahead of the commencement of the season 8 of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup. ‎ ‎The two-day refresher course which was put together by the organizers of the Prosperity Cup in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports Development, had separate sessions; the practical and the theoretical part of the exercise.  ‎ ‎Speaking after the programme, renowned CAF Instructor and Member NFF Referees Committee, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, said he was pleased with the enthusiasm of the young referees, urging referees to take advantage of the opportunity given to them by the organizers.  ‎ ‎Chukwujekwu who described the exercise "as massive" noted that this was the first time he was witnessing a tournament where referees are trained by the organizers of the t...

‎ ‎ ‎Organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have scheduled Thursday, February 19, 2026 for the official draws and presentation of jerseys ahead of the season eight of the tournament. ‎ ‎This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi in preparation for the commencement of the spectacle. ‎ ‎According to him, the event will take place at 7.30a.m., at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk, pointing out that the exercise would be colourful as Bayelsa celebrates it's 30th anniversary.  ‎ According to the statement,‎  the ceremonial draws will be performed by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, while the conduct of the rest of the draws will continue at the Prosperity Cup Secretariat, Golden Tulip Resort, Onopa. ‎ ‎The statement further explained that all participating teams are expecte...

‎ The organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup, say they are pleased with the progress of the State referees in the last few years of the tournament. ‎ ‎Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe gave the thumbs up while speaking at the opening ceremony of the referees refresher training programme at the Golden Tulip Resort and Apartments, Onopa, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.  ‎ ‎The Director General, who was represented by the Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr Perela Aboro, noted that the training exercise has continued to improve the capacity of the state referees, pointing out that the dream of the tournament is to see Bayelsa excel at the global stage. ‎ ‎According to him, the state referees are receiving international recognition as a result of the continuous investment on the umpires, urging them to discharge their duties during the...

‎It was a colourful event as journalists as well as friends of Ovieteme George converged on the Samson Siasia Stadium, to celebrate over 90 retired media practitioners in Bayelsa State for their meritorious and impactful service to the pen profession in the state. ‎ ‎The celebration which was held at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa comprised personnel from different levels of journalism which include; radio, television, print and photo journalism. ‎ ‎Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, represented by Daisy Jaja, Administrative Manager Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, said journalists play crucial role in the development of any society, pointing out that journalists have helped to give voice to the voiceless.  ‎ ‎He commended the vision bearer of the programme, Mr Ovieteme George for the laudable initiative to celebrate those who are still alive, that society ...

By Francis Joseph   As part of activities marking his birthday today, Ayibatonye Suowari Ikemike on Friday 13th February, 2026 reached out to communities across Bayelsa State with meaningful empowerment items aimed at boosting small businesses and encouraging self-reliance.  Rather than hosting an elaborate celebration, he chose to share his special day with the people by investing in tools that will create opportunities and support livelihoods across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State. In Southern Ijaw and Sagbama, sewing machines were presented to support tailoring businesses and help beneficiaries expand their craft. In Kolga, a laptop was donated to enhance digital skills and create opportunities in technology and online enterprise. Ogbia and Nembe each received nail technician starter packs, equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to begin or strengthen their beauty businesses. Yenagoa Local Government Area be...