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

Published

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

Published

6 days 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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