Sports
From Investment to Legacy: Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi’s Drive to Elevate Nigerian Canoeing
Joel Ajayi
When the story of sports development in Nigeria is told, the name Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi consistently makes the tale. Known for his passion, vision, and unmatched personal investment in sports, these strides have made him a pillar of support for Nigerian athletes, and today, those same qualities position him as the best man to lead the Canoeing Federation as its next president.
For years, Dr. Ogunbiyi has gone beyond words to action, putting his resources and influence behind athletes and federations.
He personally sponsored Nigeria’s canoeing team to the World Championship in Canada, setting the tone for his unwavering commitment to the sport. In 2014, he facilitated Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc’s sponsorship of Team Nigeria at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, ensuring athletes had the backing they needed to shine on the global stage. His contributions to canoeing are both historic and transformational.
He purchased 20 canoe and kayak boats, paddles, and other vital equipment for the Rowing and Canoeing Federation, empowering athletes with tools to compete internationally.
In 2020, he constructed and delivered the only Federation Boat Club at Jabi Lake, Abuja, an enduring legacy and world-class facility that continues to serve as the heartbeat of canoeing in Nigeria.
Dr. Ogunbiyi’s support cuts across national and international events. From backing Team Nigeria at the Congo African Games to sponsoring athletes at the World Rowing Championship in France (2015) and the African Continental Qualification in South Africa (2016), his name has been the constant factor in Nigeria’s presence at key competitions.
His financial contributions also sustained the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin, the Paracanoe Team at the 2018 National Championship, and the 2021 National Championship at Jabi Lake. Most recently, he supported Nigeria at the African Cup for Canoe Sprint (2023) and the African Continental Paris Olympic Qualification, hosted at Jabi Lake, Abuja in November 2023.
Beyond canoeing, Dr. Ogunbiyi has left an indelible mark on Nigerian sports generally. He built an ultra-modern badminton court and has consistently invested in platforms that give young athletes opportunities to excel. His passion for sports is matched only by his determination to see Nigeria compete and win at the highest levels.
The future of canoeing in Nigeria requires a leader with vision, capacity, and proven commitment. Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has demonstrated all three, time and again. His track record is not just impressive—it is unrivaled. With him as president, Nigeria’s canoeing will not only grow, it will thrive on the continental and global stage.
Dr. Ogunbiyi is not just the right candidate for the job, he is the only candidate whose legacy already proves what the future can look like.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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