Sports

10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: A Decade of Fun Run and Growing Prestige

Published

9 months ago

January 30, 2025

…As Corporate giants scramble to join celebration as anticipation reaches fever pitch

Joel Ajayi

Runners are gearing up for the physical demands of the race, journalists are scrambling for accreditation, and fans are eager for the electrifying experience that has defined the event over the years.

As the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon approaches, excitement is at an all-time high already.

First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Solomon Ogba, emphasized the race’s growing reputation, attributing its success to the organizers’ consistent innovation and commitment to excellence.

Beyond its name sponsor, Access Bank, the marathon continues to attract high-profile corporate backing.

Casio has been named the official time partner, while Airtel will serve as the official telecommunications partner.

Other major sponsors and partners include the Lagos State Government, World Athletics, 7Up, Rexona, Unilever, ROBB, Premier, Brila Media, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, FINERGE, and Aquafina, among others.

In the lead-up to the main event, fans will first enjoy the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon EXPO from February 3-13, running daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The excitement will then culminate on February 15th, when athletes take to the streets for the highly anticipated race, further cementing the marathon’s status as a premier global sporting event.

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Sports

Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports

Published

5 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.

“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.

A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.

Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.

Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.

“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”

He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.

> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.

The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.

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