Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, continued the organization’s nationwide “thank-you” campaign on Thursday with a visit to Abeokuta.
During the stop, he personally presented a ₦3 million cheque to rising track sensation Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola.
This gesture is part of a strategic initiative by the Commission to recognize and financially empower gifted junior athletes whose outstanding performances in 2025 contributed significantly to Nigeria’s international medal haul.
Persecondnews reports that Majekodunmi has become a household name in junior athletics following a string of dominant displays.
She secured a golden double in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the 2024 National Sports Festival, repeated the feat at the CAA Junior Championships in Abeokuta, and emerged as a standout performer at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Olopade explained that after settling grants for senior athletes, the Commission prioritized extending similar financial incentives to the next generation of talent to celebrate their recent national and continental achievements.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed there was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He added that more than 200 of the 376 medals secured by Nigerian athletes in 2025 were won by grassroots and junior competitors, which only underlines the importance of sustained investment in developing the next generation of sports stars.
The Commission deliberately chose to stage the presentations at the athletes’ schools and training bases.
Officials explained that the approach promotes openness, helps stamp out age cheating, and gives the public a clear view of how raw talent is spotted and nurtured straight from the school system.
An elated Majekodunmi thanked the Commission warmly and vowed to chase even bigger successes for Nigeria.
She said the cash would fire her up as she targets a podium finish at the upcoming Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Persecondnews reports that the nationwide appreciation tour actually began the previous day at Grange School in Lagos, where teenage swimmers Aidan Dumuije-Abili and Tofunmi Ibidapo were also honoured for their excellent showings.
The journey will continue over the coming days with scheduled stops in Delta State, Akwa Ibom State and Abuja.
Both NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and the Director General are expected to take part as the Commission keeps celebrating and investing in the country’s emerging sporting talents.
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