ACCESS BANK LAGOS CITY MARATHON

Over Four Thousand Runners From 42 Countries For 2019 Race

OVER four thousand runners from 42 countries around the world have registered to participate in the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

 This figure does not include over two hundred professional runners mostly from Asia, Europe, America, Kenya, Ethiopia and other East, Central and South African countries.

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Head of Communications and Media Olukayode Thomas revealed that Americans are the highest number of foreigners that will be coming to Lagos for 2019 race slated for February 2, 2019.

Japanese are a close second. Other countries whose citizens have registered for the 2019 race include Holland, Germany, Israel, Poland, England, New Zealand, Canada, Egypt, Austria, Tunisia, Norway, Denmark and others.

Thomas is optimistic that the number will increase before the close of entries in January 2019.

In the first edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in 2016 about a hundred runners from fifteen countries participated, in 2017 there were over a thousand runners from 20 countries and the 2018 edition had over two thousand runners from 30 countries.

Bukola Olopade the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon consultant attributed the increase in the number of tourists coming to Lagos for the race to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's several initiatives and beautification of Lagos State since he was elected governor and has made the state tourist friendly.

“We thank Governor Ambode for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is driving a high number of tourists to Lagos annually but apart from the marathon his beautification of Lagos and other laudable projects like the One Lagos Fiesta and others have turned Lagos State into a tourist destination.”

Olopade assured that the 2019 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be better than the previous editions in several areas, “this year, we are expecting about one hundred and fifty thousand runners, I can assure you that we are planning for more than figure, we have expanded the recovery areas and medals and certificates that will go round all the runners, entertainment, as usual, will be world class, this edition will be an experience of a lifetime for runners and spectators.” Said Olopade. 

The first edition of the Bet9ja Anti-corruption Marathon race will hold on Monday December 10, 2018 at 7:00am and will start off from the National Stadium, Abuja and finish up at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
 
The event organised by Fair Play Sports International Agency in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is in honour and support of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s battle against corruption.
 
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has described the initiative as a significant milestone in the fight against corruption, pointing out that sports is one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria, and that sports men and women are some of the highest paid in the world, and as such should be protected from all forms of corrupt practices.
 
Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu lauded the initiative, saying the objective of bringing together all strata of the population to support the anti-corruption campaign with the sole aim of raising national awareness and consciousness on the scourge and danger of corruption in Nigeria is a welcome development.
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National coordinator of the event, Jacob Onu, said millions of Nigerians are involved in one form of sporting activity, it makes sense that this initiative is an effective avenue to reach these audience with the anti-corruption message and such an effort should be supported in all ramifications.
 
While unveiling the new plans ahead of the maiden edition of the race slated to hold on Monday December 10, 2018, Head of Marketing and Communication, Bet9ja, Mr. Tunji Meshioye said, “Bet9ja was proud to be the headline sponsors of the National Anti-Corruption Marathon.”
 
“At Bet9ja we see integrity as our responsibility to push the anti-corruption agenda, and also ensured corrupt free society.” He said.
 
Nigeria’s leading bookmaker, Bet9ja urged Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to come out and have fun while keeping fit at the event which is the first Anti-corruption marathon in Nigeria.
 
To get more info follow @Bet9jaig on Instagram, @ Bet9ja.official Twitter and Facebook or follow the #hashtag #Bet9jaRaceForIntegrity on all social media platforms.

Aftermath so many preparations ahead the long-awaited 19th National Sports Festival which has suffered several postponement due to paucity of fund; the MOC, LOC alongside the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development under the leadership of Barr. Solomon Selcap Dalung has dime it fit to begin the game this Thursday 6th December, 2018.

As a results a Scientific Congress was conducted today at the Social and Cultural Center at Area 10 Garki, Abuja. Among those present are: Minister of Youths and Sports Development, NFF Secretary-general, Permanent Secretary, Chairman House Committee on Sports, NAWIS President, Director of Planing, Management & Information, NUGA Secretary-general, NAPHER.SD, Director of Press, National Federation heads, Director of FEAD, Federations Secretaries and other invited guests.

According to NAPHER.SD president (Prof. R.O Okuneye) while addressing the public, "The essence of a congress like this is to lighten up all stakeholders' consciousness on the philosophy, vision, mission and core values entrenched in the Festival.

He continued by appreciating the (FMYSD, MOC, LOC) also, the 19th edition theme: "Excellence, Sportsmanship and Unity".

"There will be winners so also losers and at the end of of it, we embrace ourselves and stay together happily" he summarized.

Nonetheless, the program which lasted till 5pm with different lectures been delivered on topics regarding Sports development, Anti-doping awareness with notable names like: Engr. Chika Chukumeriji (Olympian & TD Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria), Profs. Oby Okonwkor, Pharm. Odo Rafael Okafor, Profs. F.B Adeyanju, Mr. Bola Orodele and Profs. E.A Gunen.

The (Chairman House Committee on Sports) briefed news men, "We have really invested so much in Sports but the male Football teams are not performing well as expected and since the Women sports are doing well, we look forward to support them more"

Adding, "Delay of funds in Sports is as a result of the high bureaucracy, hopefully we will stop it soon". And the Anti-doping, Federal Ministry of Sports bills will be consider soon" Goni concluded.

According to Barr. Solomon Selcap Dalung, who told journalists, "Sports has gone beyond recreation, because we have really achieved alot through Sports since my assumption as a Sports Minister.

"Our athletes has made us proud, especially the female athletes in respective of their gender, in Hockey, Paralympics, Basketball, Scrabble, Football, Badminton to mention but a few.

He affirmed, "Sports is a major economic factor not recreation, sports create wealth and unity. And it's a healthy practice which can't be push aside.

Dalung said, it's unfortunate they have to struggle for funds every time in order to carry out Sports events thereby hampering their progress.

"Its an injustice to us, because the provision given to us isn't enough despite creating so many employment opportunities; Nigerians must create sufficient funds to improve Sports development" he maintained.

Finally, the Minister of Sports declared the 'Unity Games' opened shortly after his speech that enabled the audience to understand more about the challenges facing development of Sports in the country.

Stay tune!!!