Sports
Abuja, Asaba, Others To Host Marathons Soon – Organiser
The organisers of Nigeria’s biggest Marathon, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd, (NSML), yesterday said that other cities such as Abuja, Asaba and other states would soon host marathon races.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSML, Bukola Olopade, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the NSML management’s visit to the traditional ruler of Remoland, King Adewale Ajayi, a.k.a “Akarigbo Remoland”.
The NSML management visited the paramount ruler of Remoland as part of the activities to mark the “Remo Ultra-Marathon” where athletes from 35 countries were being expected.
Tidesports source gathered that Nilayo Sports Management Ltd is the organisers of the Value Jet IAU African Championships 2019 scheduled to hold in Sagamu and adjourning cities on December 7.
The sports management company was also behind the just-concluded Jac Motors 10km Abeokuta Marathon won by 21-year-old Kenyan athlete, Biwott Kemboi.
Olopade said that other states in Nigeria were craving to have their respective long distance races taking a cue from the successful hosting of Lagos Marathon and Abeokuta.
“We are on the verge of announcing a major breakthrough for the Abuja Marathon, we have secured three sponsorships; we have just secured the headline sponsor.
“We believe that there should be more road races in Nigeria but the fact is that we cannot do it alone, we are challenging other stakeholders to come on board as well.
“Road race is healthy and makes people keep fit for a better life, our vision is to see more states in Nigeria join the marathon race. Cities like Ile-Ife, Onitsha Enugu and other cities.
“I was disappointed when the Onitsha Marathon failed to hold, but I have been approached by the state government to organise the race and we are looking forward to it.
Olopade said that plans were in the pipeline to have marathon in other cities such as Asaba, adding that the race would soon be a culture in Nigeria.
“We have concluded plans to have a 21km marathon in Asaba through the leadership of the Sports Commission, led by Tony Okowa. For us, this is a big development.
“What we envisage is that road races cannot but continue to grow in Nigeria, but no matter how many races we want to have, it won’t be successful without the support of the private sector.
“I just got confirmation that Sifax company will be joining the sponsorship train for the Sagamu race, we also have Keystone Bank, Seven Up Bottling Company and the lead sponsor, Value Jet.
“In terms of size, Remo race is bigger, but we also have 5km race for the indigenes and also the school children who will be part of the race,” he said.
Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).
The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.
The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.
He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.
Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.
” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.
“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.
“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.
The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.
Tonye Orabere
Consistent with its project execution routine, Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, has concluded the first phase of physical inspection and evaluation of facilities for the event, 24 hours after the presentation of the hosting right to Edo State was performed.
The project management team was guided round select facilty locations in Benin City by Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, and the team leader, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo expressed satisfaction with the sports infrastructure assets of the host.
“Edo is a ready-made choice based on all the factors that are necessary to host this kind of big event. We are expecting over 3000 athletes coaches, alongside journalists and technical officials, with an approximate number of people outside spectators in the range of 5000. So, we need facilities that work for the games itself”, Ikpokpo explained.
He commended the Edo State Government for the good state of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and promised that the state will be assisted with the renovation of some of the facilities as may be necessary to ensure good competition experience for the athletes.
“I have been to the iconic Ogbe Stadium and must commend the Edo State Government for maintaining the facilities there. We are also considering taking some events to the University of Benin, so that people in that part of the city can also feel and enjoy the fun. Where need be, we will also see how to assist the state and the University of Benin to add value to some of the sporting facilities”.
Dunamis Icon Limited is the franchise rights owner to the games conceived and designed to provide a platform for unity and integration, and identifying and grooming talented youths from the region into national and international stars.
The NDDC as the flagship interventionist agency for the nine states that make up the region, is the prime sponsor of the games as part of their strategic focus on youth engagement and human capital development.
The inspection tour began at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, after a brief meeting with Enabulele and the Sports Commission team at his office.
Areas inspected include the stadium’s main bowl, the tartan track, the state box, the VIP lounges and other key areas like the ceremonial room, the media studio and other indoor facilities.
Other facility locations assessed are the Wire Road Sports Centre being listed to host basketball and volleyball games, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.
In the entourage of Dunamis-Icon were the Project Director, Mr Fred Edoreh; Director of Facilities and Equipment, Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie; the head of Communications, Harry Iwuala; Head of Transport and Logistics, Israel Umueri Afoke. Others are Theresa Ineke, Head of Secretariat, Godwin Enakhena, the Head of Scouting, Mr. Edi Lawani, the Head of Culture Affairs and Entertainment and Elder Siegha Porbeni of the Technical Department.
The Edo Sports Commission Chairman was also supported by Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, Executive Directors, with Mr Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) also in the company.
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