Sports
Governor Sanwo-Olu Lauds Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, says its a Symbol of Excellence
Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lauded the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, describing it as more than just a race but a celebration of endurance, determination, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos.
The Governor, who was on the ground for a fun run and witness the event firsthand, commended the resilience and competence displayed by the athletes, organizers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the marathon.
In his remarks, he stated:
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of endurance, determination, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos. Thousands of athletes from across the world took to our streets, proving once again that Lagos is the home of excellence in sports and global events.”
“Congratulations to all the runners, organizers, and supporters who made this event a success. Lagos continues to set the pace in hosting world-class sporting events. We are building a city where sports, tourism, and opportunity thrive.
The marathon, which has earned a World Athletics Gold Label status, attracted top athletes from across the globe and saw intense competition across various categories.
Kenya’s Edwin Koch Kibet finished first in the men’s category to win $50,000 while Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa.
Nigeria’s first finisher was Nyango Gyang Boyi who made made history, finishing th in the top 10 and most importantly entering a money-winning placement.
Boyi finished in 8th place, clocking a time 2:25:41.58 and will now go home with a prize award of $4,000 , in addition to winning the N2million top prize in the Nigerian category.
Featured
Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
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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