Sports
20th National Sports Festival: SWAN applauds Sports Minister
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare for his contributions to the development of the sector since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The body under the leadership of Comrade Ahmed Aigbona after its virtual meeting in a statement said the minister and the Edo State government deserved applauses after the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Edo state despite the challenges in the country.
In the communiqué signed by its deputy president, Malam Ado Salisu, Vice president North Central, Mr Emmanuel Ujah and Secretary General, Mike Oboh stated that the body was not part of a factional group which claimed that Mr. Dare was not media friendly as he has exhibited since his appointment to be on the same page with sports journalists across the country.
It also passed a vote of confidence on the Sports Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare for his efforts in managing the crisis that erupted during the game due to the demand of the host state to get some financial relief from the Federal Government.
SWAN stated that the claim by the group formed in Port Harcourt under one permanent secretary in the Rivers state cannot hold water as it was laced with blackmail, as SWAN affiliated to the Nigeria Union of Journalists will continue to strive with the sports minister in repositioning sports development in the country as he has displayed since assumption of office.
It stated that it was clear from their claim that the 20th National Sports Festival held in Benn city the Edo Capital, was the worst ever hosted by any state as statement of falsehood despite the festival witnessed the attendance of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with the best of sports facilities in venues were the games were held despite the COVID 19 pandemic.
SWAN also noted that the minister’s relationship with the sporting press cannot be damaged by few individuals who are masquerading as sports journalists in the country to soil the working relationship between the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and Edo State government
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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