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Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Yussuf Alli clarifies on payment of registration fees

Published

6 years ago

December 17, 2019

The General Manager for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Yussuf Alli on Monday said that the management has not changed their stance on the earlier announced registration fees for interested participants for the 2020 edition.

Alli stated that the N5, 000 registration fee for Nigerian runners and 100 USD for foreigners are still very much in place and he advised everyone yet to register to do so before the window closes.

He explained that the introduction of the registration fees is in compliance with the World Athletics (formerly IAAF) and AIMS requirements for label marathons.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has moved up from a Bronze Label Race to a Silver Label.

“Nobody has scrapped the registration fees for 2020 Lagos Marathon, one of the primary requirements for us as a Silver Label Race is that participants must pay to be part of our race and we will be adhering fully to that “ Alli noted.

The General Manager for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon however, explained the Lagos State Government out of her magnanimity as well as some of the sponsors have bought registration forms in large quantities to be distributed to those they so desire to give to.

“It is quite interesting for us, for now, the Lagos State Government have bought 20,000 forms, Access Bank 10,000, Revolution Plus and 7Up have bought 5,000 forms that they would all be distributed to their people of choices but for others, they would need to pay for the forms themselves” the former Africa Record holder in Long Jump stated.

Apart from the registration fee, Ali confirmed that several innovations have been put in place for the 2020 race; including the use of spy camera at every 5 km as well as the use of more transponders.

While the prize monies are unchanged for the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, it was gathered that huge bonuses have been set aside for world-class performances.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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