Sports
Abba Yola Bags PAN African ICON of Sports Award
The Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Alh. Abba Yola has bagged the prestigious Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for Pan – African Icon of Sports Renaissance Award in honour of his leadership ideology and high administrative prudence in the field of sports.
At the award ceremony which held in Abuja over the weekend, the President, Youth Partnership For Africa’s Development (YOUPAD), Hon. Coulibaly Hameed described him as a consumate Pan Africanist.
In a press statement issued by Director (Press & Public Relations) Mohammed Manga on Sunday said that the youth group commended him for his well articulated policies which has positively transformed sports development in , of,,various capacities of his services to Nigeria, as well as his leadership with zero tolerance for corruption, nepotism and favoritism.
Past illustrious recipients of the prize, he stated, include President Umar Al-Bashir of Sudan, IGP Ibrahim Idris and Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, amongst other distinguished Africans.
In his acceptance speech, the award recipent and Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Alh. Abba Yola attributed the recognition to the doggedness and pragmatic approach of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the doggedness of my boss, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, with the full support of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, he said.
According to him, sports is a natural fit for him as he has been involved in different levels of its management and administration, from State to Federal capacities.
While commending the Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development for the honour, he said, “this award will no doubt encourage me to continue to do what I know best, contribute to the development of our youth through sports”.
Sports
Sports heavyweights indicate readiness to volunteer at the 2025 ECOWAS Marathon as registration starts
As preparations intensify for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, key figures in the sports and fitness industry have expressed their eagerness to volunteer and contribute to the event’s success.
The marathon, set for March 1, 2025, is part of activities to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
With thousands of runners expected to participate in the 21-kilometre half marathon and the 5-kilometre race, volunteers will be crucial in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.
Gabriel Okon, the Race Director emphasized the significance of volunteers in an event that dedicated individuals to handle various logistical and operational aspects.
“Marathon is not just about the runners; it’s about the team behind the scenes. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful race, from registration and logistics to hydration stations and medical support. Their role is invaluable in making the event smooth and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.
Application for volunteers opened Monday, February 3, 2025, and interested applicants can pick up a form at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria office, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package A, Abuja.
Members of the sports family including athletes, coaches, fitness trainers, and others have pledged to support the event in different capacities, from technical assistance to race coordination and mentorship for young runners.
Expressing his delight at the overwhelming response, Okon remarked, “The enthusiasm we are seeing from volunteers is inspiring. From retired directors in the ministry, elite athletes, to community fitness trainers, so many people are eager to be part of this celebration of unity and athleticism. This is more than just a race—it’s a movement that brings people together for a greater cause.”
Beyond the competition itself, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon represents an opportunity to promote health, youth empowerment, and regional unity through sports.
With over $71,000 in prize money up for grabs, the event is expected to attract elite runners while also encouraging participation from amateur fitness enthusiasts.
Okon stressed that the marathon is not only about athleticism but also about making a lasting impact. “We want this marathon to leave a lasting legacy beyond race day. It’s about inspiring people to embrace fitness, fostering friendships across borders, and promoting a culture of healthy living,” he said.
Interested participants can register at www.ecowasabujamarathon.org or visit the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) offices, FCT Sports councils, and local athletics associations across Nigeria.
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