Sports
Eko Hotels To Accommodate Cycling Participants, Guests
Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, says it will host the last leg of the Cycling Lagos 2018 by providing accommodation for guests at the event’s Gala Night of the biggest sports, tourism and entertainment competition in Nigeria.
The tournament’s organisers said on Monday in Lagos that the hospitality company made the offer sequel to a partnership arrangement it reached with the organisers of the highly anticipated Cycling Lagos billed for August 25.
The Media Officer of the tournament Bamidele Adeleye, said in Lagos that by virtue of the agreement between the organisers of the event and the management of Eko Hotels, the Magnificent Hall would now host the Awards Gala Night.
“The hotel will host the event’s Award Gala Night and provide accommodation for guests at the programme.
“In addition, the Professional Race of the Cycling event will start from the magnificent surrounding of the Marquee Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Following the signing of the deal, Eko Hotels and Suites will be the Official Hospitality Partners for the Cycling event,” he said in a statement.
Adeleye added that the General Manger of Eko Hotels and Suites, Danny Kioupouroglou, had said that the hotel was excited and grateful for the opportunity to support the event.
“The Chairman, Cycling Lagos, Soji Adeleye, had said the choice of the five star hotel became necessary to meet the expectations of both local and foreign dignitaries and cyclists for the event.
“The event promises to be one of the biggest sports, tourism and entertainment events in Nigeria and the entire African continent in recent times,’’ he said.
“Cycling Lagos will attract cyclists and guests from across the world and we are confident that Eko Hotels & Suites, with its international reputation will offer them the needed comforts.
“With the brand, we expect to have a memorable corporate dinner after the races.
“Leadway Assurance Company, a leading insurance firm in the country, recently signed a partnership deal with the organisers of the event to provide insurance cover for over 1,000 cyclists at the event.
“Also, MultiChoice, owners of DStv, a Sub-Saharan African direct broadcast satellite service, has also confirmed a partnership agreement with the organisers to broadcast the event to its over 11.9 million subscribers across Africa.
“The Cycling Lagos 2018 is also supported by the Lagos Government and the Lagos State Cycling Association,’’ he added.
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.