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All set for 7th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, 10km race returns

Published

3 years ago

February 11, 2022

Spectacular performances are expected to form the highlights of the 7th edition of the world’s fastest-growing road race, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon set to hold sway in Lagos on Saturday, February 12, 2022.
The traditional take-off point for the Silver-label race remains the iconic National Stadium, Surulere as with past editions of the race.

This was revealed at the World Press Conference held at the Access Bank Towers in Oniru on Friday which had in attendance top sponsors, organisers of the event, athletes, members of the press, as well as some of the country’s top sports administrators.

They include the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Tonobok Okowa; Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Sola Aiyepeku; DG of LSSC Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan; First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Solomon Ogba; Head of Communications and External Affairs, Access Bank, Amaechi Okobi: Chief Consultant Access Bank Marathon Bukola Olopade; General Manager Access Bank Marathon Yusuf Alli; General Manager Marketing, 7Up Segun Ogunleye: course Measurer Norrie Williamson, and a host of others.

In his address, AFN President Okowa lauded the giant strides the marathon has made since its inception seven years ago.
He said: “I want to give kudos to Access Bank and the other sponsors for the good work they are doing to sustain the marathon. After just two editions, the marathon was given a bronze label so we should appreciate them for this. Tomorrow we are going to witness another good performance from the athletes and I’m sure we are going to be very proud of them.”

On his part, the LSSC Chairman reiterated the support of the Lagos State Government: “It’s a privilege for me to have been a part of the Access Bank Marathon from the planning stage, down to implementation, and here we are at the seventh edition. I want to say well done to Nilayo and thank you to our sponsors. Your patience and incremental investment has not gone unnoticed. The strides being made by the marathon is a total buy-in for Lagos State, and we will do everything to ensure it continues”, he said.

In his charge to the athletes and participants, Mr Okobi urged them to be well prepared for the race and to stay hydrated whilst pushing themselves to do the impossible.

Chief Consultant of the marathon Bukola Olopade thanked the sponsors for their continued support and commended Williamson’s dedication towards the continued success of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

General Manager of the race Yusuf Alli disclosed that the 10km race was making a return after being suspended at the last edition due to Covid-19 protocols, and that spy cameras would be in use at this edition of the race.

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Olawande’s 21st Century Skills initiative, A Move Towards Re-fertilization Of Nigerian Youths

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Transforming the Nigeria youths to equip the current and future generations with 21st century skills is important. The Africa and National Youth Day 2024 is therefore a historic moment to put a need 21st century skills at the forefront toward the the growth and development of all.

Nigeria as a nation has made meaningful progress in education over the past 60 years, with more girls in school and more students in Higher education system than ever before.

Reports showed that School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels.

Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Nigerians youth for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape. By 2030, roughly 60 million jobs iin Nigeria and 230 million in Africa will demand digital skills. Classroom practices must shift to meet these future employability needs and nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nigeria recorded the largest population of young people in the continent of Africa that means a 21st century skills is critical to to equip the current and future generations.

Based on this, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande who has been promoter and advocate of digital skiill even before he became Minister has once again initiate digital literacy programmes, technical skills empowerment and leadership insight and urged young people to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills to effectively combat the rising issue of unemployment.

When he was Minister Youth for State, he introducing the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, implementing the Youth Empowerment Program, training over 10,000 young people in vocational skills, establishing the Youth Mentorship Initiative, pairing young people with experienced professionals, and developing the National Youth Policy, providing a framework for youth development.

He also initiated the “One Youth One Ward” initiative to tackle drug abuse, established the Youth Innovation Hub, hosted the National Youth Conference, rolled out the Youth Volunteer Program, fostered partnerships with private sector organizations amongst others.

He has implement innovative programs, foster strategic partnerships, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Now Minister of Youth without doubt has been at the forefront of this journey, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerians youth even from his school days.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal today in Abuja during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme : ‘ Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’ and sub-theme: ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth’,

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

“Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

Olawande stated : “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent”.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

Adamu said that for one to go far in whatever they are doing, they must be self-disciplined, duly intelligent and have the consistency in learning.

However, the minister of Youth led the teaming youths on a road walk from the Ministry to BMO Event Centre to Celebrate Africa and National Youth Day.

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