A festive atmosphere erupted at the Eagles Square vehicle park in Abuja on Thursday when Omoyele Sowore, the two-time presidential candidate, arrived to pick up his running kit for the upcoming ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon.

As Sowore parked his car, food sellers and traders abandoned their wares, their faces beaming with excitement.

Chants of praise filled the air, punctuated by joyous dancing, selfies, and warm hugs.

The air crackled with the energy of a joyful crowd sharing the moment with their “People’s President.”

After grabbing his kit and bib, Sowore commended ECOWAS for the marathon initiative, calling it “the best thing anyone can do” by embracing exercise and the culture of running.

He shared his own experience, stating that since taking up running, his health has improved dramatically, reducing his reliance on hospitals and making him a “better person.”

However, while praising ECOWAS for taking a step in the right direction, Sowore couldn’t help but notice a glaring absence: President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, hadn’t yet indicated his participation in either the half marathon or the 5km fun race. “As of now,” Sowore remarked, “there’s no sign of his bib or participation.”

He emphasized that “we can’t have the ECOWAS Marathon in Nigeria without the chairman of the sub-regional body participating.”

He urged President Tinubu to join him and thousands of other runners at the starting line, setting an inspiring example for the entire nation.

Sowore, a seasoned marathoner with global experience, including the New York Marathon, believes that leaders must lead by example, and “walking the talk” is the most impactful way to do so.

He argued that if President Tinubu actively encouraged running and participated in the ECOWAS marathon, it would inspire countless Nigerians to follow suit, leading to a healthier nation and potentially reducing healthcare costs for the government.

Robinson Okosun, a Ph.D. holder in Physical and Health Education with a specialization in Sports Psychology, echoed Sowore’s praise for the initiative.

Attributing his own “smart and trim” physique to his love of exercise, Okosun applauded the organisers and sponsors of the marathon.

He further highlighted the potential of the hefty prize money, exceeding $70,000, to lift many Nigerians out of poverty.

Meanwhile, organisers have enjoined all registered and intending participants to come to the Eagles Square to collect their running kits, number bibs, and goodie bags.

Saturday’s half-marathon will begin at 7:00 am in front of the ECOWAS Secretariat, while the 5km fun race will start at Bannex Plaza at 7.30 am with both races climaxing at Eagles Square

No Ransome Payment For Zamfara Kidnapped Prospective Corps Members

Joel Ajayi

The attention of NYSC Management has been drawn to the news making rounds in the public that Akwa Ibom Government and some concerned individuals paid for the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members.   

To put the records straight, the release of the prospective corps members kidnapped  in ZAMFARA state on their way to report at Orientation camp in Sokoto state was primarily on the combined effort of the security agents and the the National Youth Service Corps. It is also noteworthy to state that no state government, individual or agency paid any amount in the guise of ransom before their release.

The management of National Youth Service Corps, since their release, is shouldering the responsibility of their medical bills where they are recuperating.

The management therefore disassociates itself from the claim that Akwa Ibom State Government or any other state Government paid money for their release.

The management of the scheme is very much aware of different account numbers and names currently being circulated in the public calling for financial donations towards paying ransom for the release of the prospective corps members. The NYSC management therefore is making an open call to the parents and family members of the kidnapped prospective corps members, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara state Governments or anybody not to fall prey to the unscrupulous elements who fraudsters taking undue advantage of the situation to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by calling for donation towards the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members.

It is however impressive to note that so far the management of national Youth Service corps and security agents have succeeded in securing the release of four (4) out of the eight (8) kidnapped prospective corps members without paying any amount of money and still working relentlessly towards securing the release of the remaining prospective corps members in the hands of the kidnappers.

The National Youth Service Corps is ever committed towards the welfare and security of the corps members and will continue to intensify synergy with security agencies towards the safety of the corps members.