Olympics Countdown: Shaibu to host Edo State Ambassador, Enoch Adegoke

 

 

 

The Sport-loving Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu will on Monday host the State’s Ambassador at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Enoch Olaoluwa Adegoke.

The Nigerian fastest man, Adegoke whose career has taken a turn for the better since he started representing Nigeria’s foremost sports destination, Edo State, is expected to arrive in Benin for the all-important meeting with Deputy Governor Shaibu on Monday.

Adegoke who won the 100m gold medal, the most prestigious medal in any games, at the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival in the colours of Edo State, will get both the financial and moral support he needs to succeed in Tokyo from the Edo State Deputy Governor Shaibu.

 Meanwhile, former captain of Team Nigeria to many Games and Championships, Yussuf Alli has commended the Deputy Governor for the initiative of the Edo State government to support Adegoke financially and otherwise.

“As a former athlete who has competed in many games and championships the moral support of your government and people is a crucial morale booster, if that moral support is now backed with cash support, that is massive. 

 

"I commend Deputy-Governor Shaibu for this brilliant initiative, this kind initiative will not only encourage Edo athletes to give their best but it also encourages all athletes representing Nigeria in major games and championships to give their best”

Alli also commend the Edo State government for its massive investment in sports infrastructures and equipment,

“Before the Obaseki/Shaibu administration in Edo State, athletes from the state had to travel elsewhere to train because the state lacked facilities and equipment but thanks to massive investment by this administration athletes now train in all the nooks and crannies of Edo State, we now host world-class championships, including the National Sports Festival and the Super Eagle matches,” said Alli.  

Alli Urges Nigeria's Elite runners To Emulate Japanese champion, Kengo Suzuki .

 

The General Manager of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Yussuf Alli, has urged Nigerian elite runners participating in the 2021 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to emulate Japanese Kengo Suzuki who on Sunday, February 28, 2021, crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 04 minutes and 56 seconds to win the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, setting a new national record.

Alli also promised to personally reward any Nigerian runner that sets a new record at the 2021 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Suzuki broke the previous record of 2:05:29 set by Suguru Osako at the 2020 Tokyo Marathon.

Alli, who broke the Commonwealth, Africa and Nigeria record in the long jump as an athlete, said it is disheartening that Nigerian elite runners are not taking advantage of the quality of international elite runners participating at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to improve their performances and break records,

“About 14 runners ran inside 2hours 10 minutes at the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, breaking our course record of 2hours and 15 minutes but sadly none of them is a Nigerian.”

Alli wonders why a country that produced Abass Muhammed and Yohanna Waziri who are 2hours 15 minutes runners over three decades ago is struggling to produce runners that could equal their feats today with advancement in training technique and the money on the table.

“Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has shown that there is money to be made as a professional runner. All our athletes need is to follow the money. When President Ibrahim Babangida announced the incentives for gold medalists at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, I left my base in Missouri, United States to train in Bauchi

“I even hired a coach. My reward was not just a gold medal and Commonwealth record but thousands of dollars from Babangida, a house and a street was named after me. I am appealing to our runners to take of advantage of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and the lucrative global marathon and road races circuit to invest in their talents and make money while they are still young because sports has no second-hand value. Once you are old, you can’t bring back the hand of the clock”.

Alli dismissed the myth that it is only East Africans that excel in marathons and road races,

“Europeans, Americans, Asians and other nationals have done extremely well in marathons and road races. The time Suzuki ran on Sunday, setting a new record is good enough to win any of the world’s best marathons. Though the high altitude gives East Africans some advantage, we also have high altitude here and in marathons, once you get to kilometre 32, the human body reacts the same way, from that point, it’s who wants it most that will get it”.

Alli promised to personally reward financially any Nigerian runner that can break Nigeria men or women record at the 2021 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.   

Henry Amike Praises Late MKO Abiola In Death

Former Nigeria's and Africa's four hundred meters hurdler, Henry Amike, says late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, is responsible for the silver medal he won at the 1991 World Cup in Barcelona, Spain.

While speaking on The Breakfast Show, TBS, on EKOFM, Amike, said the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, had already dropped him from the list of athletes to the tournament since he had malaria but the former Presidential aspirant who met him at the Murtala Airport ensured that he featured at the race.

According to the former President of Nigerian Olympian Association, NOA, the past president of the then International Association of Athletics Federation, IAAF, Lamine Diack, paved the way for him to be registered for the race as he was placed lane nine.

In appreciation of MKO Abiola's support and encouragement, the former Nigeria's four hundred meters hurdle champion, who won a silver medal at the World Cup, said inspite of nursing malaria, he made up his mind to make the country proud.

Thomas promises to revive road races and marathons

One of the aspirants contesting to be the next president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN Olukayode Thomas has made a bold promise that he would be reviving the culture of Road Races and Marathons in the country if elected. 

Thomas said looking at the Kenyans and Ethiopians who are world powers as far as long distant races are concerned, they are like the Northerners who are mostly farmers and nomads who usually leave in high altitude regions.

The AFN Presidential aspirant promised to start developmental programs that would allow for early detection of talents that can be nurtured into stardom and world beaters.

“Road races and marathons will definitely get adequate attention from me if I am elected to lead the AFN, we will be starting developmental programs that would help in bringing out these athletes at an early age,” he assured. 

Thomas noted that lack of development is killing a lot of potentials in the Northern region and it was the high time something is done to stern that ugly trend.

The AFN Presidential aspirant noted that the winning time at the last Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which commands a healthy winning prize money of $50, 000 was what Nigeria marathon record holder Abbas Mohammed was running 30 years ago.

“Just imagine if we have been training the young athletes in that region for long, we would have raised those that would be better that Abbas Mohammed that would be running races around the world.” He concluded.

The AFN and other Sport Federations elections are fixed for Tuesday, June 13 in Abuja. 

Asaba 2018: Okowa Inaugurates Ogba-Led LOC for Africa Athletics Championships.

The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has inaugurated the 17-man Local Organizing Committee for next year’s Senior African Athletics Championships tagged “Asaba 2018”.

Governor Okowa while inaugurating the Chief Solomon Ogba led LOC on Monday said the state has chosen to start early in order to put together a world-class event that Delta people and indeed Nigeria as a whole will be proud of.

He also stated that the early inauguration is also geared at making sure that the economic planning arm of the LOC have their figures captured in the state’s budget for 2018.

The Governor noted that Delta state remains the home of sport in Nigeria as it has continually set the pace in the hosting of international events and churning out talents that have over time grown to become world beaters.

 

Delta State, fresh from hosting its Sports festival is also gearing up for the Principal’s Cup final as the state continues to be a beehive of sporting activities.

Among other events, Delta State successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Youth Athletics Championship, AYAC and also put up a memorable spectacle when it hosted the Africa Women Championships.

Governor Okowa reiterated that sports has a lot of advantages including uniting people and it has also helped in projecting the image of the country.

 One will not be wrong to call Delta State, a sporting state going by the antecedence of the athletes that have come out from the state as well as top sporting figures like the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick who recently was voted into the CAF executive committee and Chief Solomon Ogba a big wig in the Confederation of African Athletics and Special Adviser to the IAAF President Lord Sebastian Coe. 

Despite the recession in the country, Governor Okowa stated that he knows the worth of sport and he is ready to make more investment in the development of facilities and manpower.  

He said he is impressed by the caliber of the members in the LOC and he is sure they will do a good job. 

On his part, Ogba assured that the LOC members will not disappoint as they are ready to deplore every means to make Asaba 2018 an epoch-making event.

The erstwhile AFN boss promised to ensure that the private sector is fully involved in the organization of the epic athletic event.

“We are happy with the mandate given to us by the governor, as you know, Delta State have the track record and we are ready not just to keep the high standards but also raise the bar” Ogba submitted.

Dalung Applauds Okowa On State Sports Festival.

DALUNG APPLAUDS OKOWA ON STATE SPORTS FESTIVAL

Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has commended the government and people of Delta state for their consistency in grassroots sports development.

He gave the commendation at the closing ceremony of the 6th Delta state sports festival held at the Polytechnic Stadium, Ozoro at the weekend.

He thanked the state government for their immense contributions towards launching grassroots athletes to stardom.

" I am proud of Delta state because when we go back into history, most of our exploits in sports are traceable to this great state. I commend His Excellency for his commitment and dedication to sports development. I invite other state governments to emulate some of the giant strides of Delta state government. Any government that invests in sports will have peace and stability in the state and that speaks for the relative peace in Delta today."

Barrister Dalung also congratulated the athletes and urged them to put in more hardwork in their training. He also called on the coaches to identify the talents and nurture them to limelight.

The Minister used the occasion to declare the commitment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to democratizing the National Sports Federations .

" We must clean up the system, inject new ideas, invite new hands and set the tune of placing Nigeria in its proper perspective. We must provide leadership that is accommodating, focused, visionary, committed and determined to reposition sports in Nigeria."

In his address, the  Governor of Delta state Dr Ifeanyi Okowa promised to make the state sports festival an annual event and congratulated the organizers of the festival as well as athletes and officials for the success of the games.

Dr Okowa promised that Delta State will  continue to play a leading role in the development of sports in the country and provide more avenues for youths to participate in sports. 

"Sporting activities are vital areas where our young men and women can be meaningfully engaged. They keep the young ones busy and away from delinquent behaviours and youth restiveness in all its ramifications. Besides, it also gives opportunity to develop their talents on their way to national and international prominence.” Okowa said. 

Athletes in 25 local government councils took part in the 5 day festival.

Ahead Asaba 2018 Africa Athletics Championships: Gov. Okowa Inaugurates LOC Monday

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa will Monday at the Government House in Asaba inaugurate the 17-man Local Organizing Committee, LOC for the 2018 Senior Africa Athletics Championships tagged Asaba 2018.

The Governor who is keen to see the LOC hit the ground running has charged the members to midwife a world-class championship that would leave a lasting mark in the State.

In a statement by Olukayode Thomas; a member of the LOC for the 2018 Africa Athletics Championships, the Delta State Governor is ready to set the ball rolling and make a big statement with Monday’s inauguration.

“The Governor wants things to start earnestly so he would be inaugurating the LOC on Monday at his office, ”he began. 

“The target is to organize the best ever championship and with the caliber of people in the LOC, we should be able to deliver by the grace of God” Thomas added. 

As already announced, the former President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Solomon Ogba, heads the LOC while Tony Okowa, the Executive Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission is the Executive Vice Chairman.

Two-time African champion in long jump who set an African record in the 1989 edition of the African Senior Athletics Championships in Lagos ’89, Yussuf Alli, is also a member of the committee. 

African record holder in women 400m, Falilat Ogunkoya, Hauwa Akinyemi, a Director in the Ministry of Sports, Omatseye Nesiama, Chris Anazia, Victor Onogagamue    ,Uboh Queen, Porbeni Seigha, Bukola Olopade and Olumide Bamiduro  are also on the list.

Others include Olukayode Thomas, Nneka Anibeze, Director of CAA High-Performance Center in University of Port Harcourt Ken Anugweje, Clem Ofuani also made the 17-man list which has Amaechi Akawo, AFN Secretary General, as secretary.

Lagos Plans International Athletics Classics For 50th Anniversary

A Lagos Anniversary Classsic will hold on 12 July as part of activities lined up by Lagos State Sports Commission, LSSC, to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the state.

Mr. Deji Tinubu, the Special Adviser on Sports to the Governor, who is also the chairman of the Sports Commission, said the state will play host to the biggest athletics event in Africa as one of the several activities the Sports Commission put together to celebrate Lagos at 50.

 

According to Tinubu, who was former board member of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, the preparation to stage the competition, tagged Lagos Anniversary Classics, has since begun, adding that “the classic is scheduled for 12 July. Intense preparations have commenced with IAAF readiness assessment visits including technical meetings, stadium inspections and securing of star athletes.

 

Tinubu also disclosed that series of event to celebrate the golden jubilee of the state will commence on 16 May.

 

“We want to honour Lagos’ past sports heroes with football matches. There will be an exhibition match between Lagos State Executive Council members and the state House of Assembly and between past Principal’s Cup heroes over the years,” he said.

 

Tinubu also disclosed that many sporting events will be held between now and the end of the year among whom is Lagos International Classic in Squash, Table Tennis and Badminton, Lagos Cycling Criterium Season 2, while the state will start mentoring programme for selected elite athletes which will commence during the summer holidays.

 

Meanwhile, the Sports for Excellence in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's T.H.E.S.E strategy for social development will take a new shape as the Governor begins his third year in office from 29 May, 2017.

T.H.E.S.E, which represents Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sports for Excellence, is the vision of Governor Ambode to transform Lagos State as one of the emerging mega cities of the world.

Tinubu said that while the responsibility of the Commission is to actualize the sports element of T.H.E.S.E strategy, effort will be geared towards meeting and exceeding Ambode’s objectives.

According to Tinubu, while there will be continuation of key 2016 objectives and strategy, “we will increase focus on developing school sports, more major competition involving more schools in activities and integrating public and private school sports.

“We will commence implementation of grassroots sports development programmes tagged Lagos Sports Connect to involve people across communities in the state. 

 

Construction of stadia in Epe, Ikorodu and Ajegunle. Renovation of Onikan Stadium, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Rowe Park Sports Complex, Campos Square mini stadium, Amotu and Ijede sports centres, completion of Ifako Ijaiye Sports Centre and Isheri Sports Development Centres, while 10 sports divisions will be created towards achieving higher effectiveness in grassroots sports implementations,” he said.

Tinubu also revealed that the sports commission will commence a sports programme tagged LSSC TV on television to bring the commission closer to the people.

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Sound Sultan applauds initiative, signs for race

Foremost Nigeria Hip Hop artist FasasiOlarenwajua.ka Sound Sultan has signed on for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Race billed to take place on February 6, 2016 in the Centre of Excellence.

Sound Sultan and some of his crew members, Harding Olumide (Karma) and Binfa Simon were at the Lagos Marathon office at the TeslimBalogun Stadium on Friday to complete their registration formalities even as organisers announced a general extension in the deadline for registration.

The window for registration which was formerly pegged to close on Thursday, January 28 has now been moved forward by a week to February 4 to accommodate many more interested participants across the world to sign-on.

Speaking ahead of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Race, Sound Sultan commended the Lagos State Government and their partners for the worthy investment in ventures quite beneficial to the youths, via entertainment and Sports among others.

The multi-award winning star confirmed his willingness to take part in the February 6 race and also enjoined others yet to register to make the most of the extended period to get on board.

“I think, this is another good one coming from the Lagos State government as well as all their partners, I am happy with the idea of showcasing our city to the world with a marathon,” Sound Sultan submitted

Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission and head of the organising committee for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, DejiTinubu thanked Sound Sultan and his crew for coming bye.

Tinubu expressed delight at the wide reception the Lagos marathon is garnering; adding that all hands are on deck to see that the February 6 race

Lagos Is Ready For Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Says Steve Ayorinde

 Govenrnor Akinwunmi Ambode alongside President of International Association of Athletics Federation, IAAF, Lord Sebastian Coe, will flag-off the maiden edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon billed for Saturday, sixth of February, 2016.

The gesture, which explains that the Lagos State Government has concluded plans to ensure a hitch free staging of the International Marathon which was held last thirty- years ago, is in furtherance of the Governor's determination to achieve excellence through sports.

In a press briefing jointly held on Tuesday by the Ministry of Information and Strategy and the State Sports Commission at Alausa Secretariat, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, assured sports journalists that the state government had been put in place everything needed to ensure a successful tournament .

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde said out of the over One hundred thousand forms made available, twelve thousand athletes had confirmed participation, adding that sixty(60) elite international participants in the male category had been confirmed, while a total of twenty thousand(20,000) intending runners were expected to register.

He said out of the twenty gold class marathoners in the world, eighteen had also confirmed their participation in the male category, while six gold marathoners in the female category have also confirmed participation.

The Commissioner said the international participants would joined from countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, Eritrea, Morocco, Cameroun, Uganda and India, while about  one hundred and twenty professional athletes in Nigeria would also slug it out with their foreign counterparts.

Ayorinde stated that the Lagos City Marathon which would start in the morning at the National Stadium in Surulere, would terminate at Eko Atlantic, adding that the total prize money for sixty winners in the different categories of the tournament would be ninety-two million Naira.

According to him,  the winner of the first prize will smile home with 50, 000 Dollars while the second prize winner would be awarded 40, 000 Dollars while the third prize winner would get 30, 000 Dollars.

In the Nigerian category, first prize winner will get One million Naira second prize, seven hundred and fifty thousand naira and five hundred thousand naiara, for third prize.

Speaking on the specific roles of government agencies, Ayorinde said the Ministry of Health would provide medical services, adding  that there would be ambulances at strategic locations to take care of any emergencies.

He said his Ministry would coordinate the awareness of the State Government concerning the tournament, while the Ministries of The Environment and  Transportation would monitor and ensure proper cleaning as well as the routes to be used by the participating athletes.
 

He said the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), together with other traffic management agencies would be in charge of the alternative routes already created for commuters who may like to go about their normal business activities.

He stated that adequate security measures have equally been put in place, adding that there have been provision for permanent and static mobile deployment of 100 security personnel to cover each vulnerable points such as the pre-event venue and hotel accommodating the foreign athletes and guests for ten days prior to the event.

Meanwhile the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu, says the plans of the state government is to achieve a bronze label in the next edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Tinubu, said Lagos State Government had a genuine plans to to make the race an annual marathon which was in line with the commitment of Governor Ambode promises to achieve excellence through sports, adding that the ultimate goal of Lagos State Government was that to make the race the biggest marathon event in Africa, and permanently be logged on the IAAF time table.

He explained that there had equally been provisions for transponders to prevent cheating, which would also reduce the number of personnel needed for the tournament.

 

 

Ogba confirms IAAF President, Sebastian Coe for race

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Evangelist Solomon Ogba has confirmed that the IAAF President Lord Sebastian Cole will be in Lagos for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Speaking from Dubai on Friday were he is attending the Dubai City Marathon, the AFN boss not only confirmed the coming of the IAAF President to Nigeria but also revealed that the Lagos Marathon is generating big interest across the world.

“I can confirm to you that the IAAF President, Sebastian Coe has given us his words that he will be in Lagos for the maiden Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, I am also equally pleased to see the kind of interest that the Lagos marathon is generating around the world. Ogba declared

Apart, from the IAAF President, the world record holder in women’s marathon, Paula Radcliffe has also hinted that she will be more than willing to be part of the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon.

Radcliffe gave this cheering news to members of the Organising Committee of the Lagos Marathon who are presently attending the Dubai Marathon to gain more ideas in organising the Lagos race billed for February 6.

The star British long distance runner who gladly endorsed the Lagos race said she would be looking forward to being part of the 2017 edition which is guaranteed to be bigger.

“I am happy to endorse the Lagos City International Marathon which is taking place this year; February 6th, I look forward to possibly working with you next year.” Said Radcliffe who at the Chicago Marathon in 2002 set a record of 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds yet to be matched by any woman.

Even in its maiden edition, the Lagos City marathon is guaranteed a star-cast with almost 70 elite athletes across the world guaranteed to compete.

Lagos City Marathon Expo Starts On Tuesday.

Athletes that have registered their ambition to be part of the Lagos City Marathon will from Tuesday start collecting their bib numbers for the race billed for Saturday, Sixth of next month.

The race General Manager, Yussuf Alli, stated that athletes who had duly completed their registration forms would start getting their bib numbers at the Lagos City Marathon Expo Center, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, inside Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Alli advised participants to come with proof of identification when coming to collect their running numbers as intending participants will also have a chance to have a feel of the Marathon Expo with the theme Hospitality, Wellness and Wellbeing..

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Transponders Arrive Nigeria

 The transponders for the Lagos City Marathon have arrived the secretariat of the Organizing Committee situated at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The Lagos City Marathon which will flag off, on Saturday, sixth of February, is the first time transponders will be used for a road race or marathon in Nigeria.

According to Lagos City Marathon General Manager, Yussuf Alli, the transponder, also called chip timing, is introduced to marathon and road races over a decade ago and  it has quickly developed into a supplement to traditional race timing techniques at races all across the world.

Transponder timing systems require that athletes wear a small, lightweight chip that uniquely identifies them as they cross strategically placed electronic mats, adding that the chip is typically worn on the shoelace or on an ankle bracelet, depending on the system being used.

According to Alli, the transponder eliminates the problems inherent in manual timing as every single runner would have their time, even if they are twenty thousand.

The transponder timing systems feature two components, a chip that carries a unique identification number, and a number of mats that activate the chip.

Meanwhile, Nigerian technical officials that will man it have started receiving tutorials from Dutch experts.

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Nigerian doctors in USA join Volunteer team

The February 6, 2016, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is not just attracting international elite marathoners, athlete managers and journalists, many Nigerians in diaspora are showing interest, and the latest are two Nigerian doctors practicing in the United States of America.

Dr. Blessing Fadaka and Dr. Nurudeen Lawal are coming to Lagos to work as volunteer during the Lagos City Marathon,  first full marathon in Nigeria in 30 years.

Both Fadaka and Lawal believed that volunteering during the marathon is just one way of giving back to Nigeria, a country that gave them so much,

Said Lawal, “I'm a trained Nigerian physician in internal medicine and cardiology who happens to be working in the USA,

“My medical training in Nigeria was mostly tuition free and my goal in life is to take any opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria hence I offer my services where needed’’.

Lawal who learnt about the marathon from Fadaka decided to volunteer because as a firm believer in physical fitness, he believed that contributing in any way to encourage the culture of running or fitness is good.

“A large program like this will attract people with varying degree of fitness. I hope to offer assistance in emergency health services especially as an advanced trainer and practitioner in cardio pulmonary resuscitation in an unlikely instance of such need arising. I will also make my services available in any form the organizing committee might deem it fit.’’ Said Lawal

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:Marathon legend Abbass Muhammed Urge Leaders To Emulate Governor Ambode

Nigeria’s greatest professional marathoner of all time, Abbass Muhammed on Tuesday said nothing has given him innate joy in recent times like the upcoming Lagos City Marathon. The Nigeria record holder in marathon and one of the best in the world when he was competing said

“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has started what I believe will revive the culture of crosscountry running and marathon in Nigeria, these are lucrative area of sports where our youth can be gainfully employed’’.

Muhammed posited that the general assumption that Nigeria is a sprint nation discourage investment in road races and marathons,

“The general assumption that Nigeria is a sprint is not backed by fact. The truth is marathon and road races are not encouraged due to ignorance, as at the time I was running, the world record in marathon was 2.06.50 held by Ethiopian Belayneh Dinsamo, my time then was 2;16 set in Lagos September 11, 1990. If I had a sponsor then and competed regularly around the world, I would have returned a better time and compete for the world record’’

Muhammed said with Governor Ambode initiative, the culture of marathon running will spread to other parts of Nigeria and lead to the revival of the industry,

“ I believe that Lagos being the Center of Excellence, other states emulate them and am appealing to other state governors and political leaders in Nigeria to take a cue from Governor Ambode and arrest unemployment and youth restiveness , solve problems of crime and criminality, and general engage our youth with road races and marathon’’.

Muhammed said since most states and political leaders may not have the resources of Lagos and organize a full marathon with global elite athletes, they could organize five or ten kilometer road races, cross country and half marathon.

The marathon legend who is currently working in Maiduguri with the Nigerian Army hope to be in Lagos for the February 6, 2016, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and give Governor Ambode a warm handshake,

“The governor has done very well, he deserves a very warm handshake and praises, myself and the likes of Ado Maude another great runner who could not fulfill his potentials because we didn’t get the right support are proud of him. If Ambode was a leader during our era we would have ruled the world’’ conclude Muhammed.

CAA Aproves Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The Confederation of African Athletics,CAA, has approved the forty- two kilometer Access Bank Lagos City Marathon billed for Saturday, sixth of February, 2016.

The Chairman for the Local Organizing Committee, Ayodeji Tinubu, who made this known on Tuesday at a media parley held at the Media centre of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, said the endorsement of the continental body for Athletics was an indication that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is authentic, adding that the International Association of Athletics Federation,IAAF, would before the week runs out send its letter of approval.

Tinubu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission,LSSC, said thirty international male marathoners of which fourteen were gold labelled and they were among top twenty marathoners in the world that had signified their interest to feature in the race.

While explaining that eleven international female marathoners of which three were silver labelled and they were among top twenty marathoners in the world that had signified their interest to feature in the race, said the aim of the race was to organise a befitting race that would attract world class marathoners to participate in subsequent editions and also to achieve the status attached to the race.

He mentioned that necessary agencies to make the event a huge success had committed one hundred percent in ensuring the race was successful, adding that the Ministry of Transportation had test run the routes mapped for the race in order to appraise traffic during and after the marathon.

The President of Athletic Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Solomon Ogba, commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, for investing heavily in the Marathon which according to him would bring return on investment to the economy of Lagos State through the number of tourists that would visit Nigeria, adding that the race would also enable the state to discover athletes who could be nurtured to become future stars.

Ogba, urged other State Governors to emulate the giant strides of the executive governor of Lagos State especially in the area of sports development.

In order to make the race drug free, the General Manager of the Marathon, Yusuf Ali, said there would a compulsory doping for the race top finishers as the Nigeria Anti Doping Agency,NADA, would be fully involved in the first full marathon in Nigeria in order to discourage performance enhancing drugs.

Ali, who stressed that ten thousand transponders to capture running time would be acquired for the race as the staffs of Lagos State Sports Commission and Athletics Federation of Nigeria,AFN, would be trained on how make use of the transponders ahead of subsequent editions.

The race General Manager, twenty thousand athletes are expected be on the starting point as over sixty-five thousand forms had been distributed.

The race is billed for Saturday, sixth of February, 2016 as it would start at the gate of the National Stadium, Surulere and ends at the Eko Atlantic City.