Sports

Heartland, Abia Warriors to play Home Fixtures in Aba

Published

8 months ago

January 30, 2024

Heartland of Owerri and Abia Warriors of Umuahia have in separate letters to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) nominated the Enyimba International Stadium as their alternate home ground for the rest of the 2023/24 season.

This is a sequel to the withdrawal of the provisional approval for their home grounds during the club licensing exercise at the start of the season.

The NPFL had in separate letters dated January 16, 2024, to the two clubs, conveyed its discomfort with the state of the playing pitches at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri for Heartland and the Umuahia Township Stadium for Abia Warriors.

“The decision is a result of the poor condition of the playing pitch at the Umuahia Township Stadium.In light of this, we kindly request that Abia Warriors promptly identify and provide an alternate home ground for the remaining matches of the season”, read the letter to Abia Warriors and signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer. A similar letter was also sent to Heartland.

The two clubs in separate replies have now elected to play at the neighbouring Enyimba International Stadium, home ground of Enyimba FC.

While their choices have been accepted by the NPFL, fixtures are to be rearranged to accommodate hosting of three league games at the Aba Stadium.
Owumi told NPFL Media that “we have a mechanism for continuous appraisal of Club Licensing requirements and at any point we find any club defaulting, appropriate remedial measures would be taken”.

Owumi added that a further inspection of the facilities would be carried out before the weekend to ascertain if there has been improvements from what they were at the time of last assessment.

The NPFL season went on mid-season recess after Matchday 19 on. January 20 and will resume on the weekend of February 3-4.

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Sports

Ibadan Marathon Will Drive Business Growth, Foster Community Spirit, Spotlight Local Talents-Gov Makinde

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the Ibadan Marathon will boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds.

He made this statement during a world press conference in Ibadan, where he was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke.

“This initiative not only promotes health and fitness but also supports our local economy while showcasing the beauty of our vibrant city,” he remarked. “The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress.”

The governor further highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, and spurring economic growth.

Savvy Events Limited CEO, Miss Arinola Idowu, and franchise owner of the Ibadan Marathon, shared that the 2024 event is designed to celebrate the city’s unity, strength, and rich history, with the theme ‘ERE IDARAYA.’ She emphasized that the event aims to support small businesses, engage youth, and elevate the city’s brand.

The Ibadan Marathon is a joint initiative between the Oyo State Government and Savvy Events to position Oyo State as a hub for sports, commerce, and entertainment, in line with the governor’s agenda for infrastructural development and youth empowerment.

This maiden edition will feature a 42.195km race and a 10km fun run. The routes have been certified by GRADE A measurer Norrie Williamson and World Athletics, offering an exciting journey through Ibadan’s iconic landmarks. Both races will conclude at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Saturday, November 2, starting at 7 am for the marathon and 10 am for the fun run.

Registration is now open at www.ibadanmarathon.com for both the 42.195km full marathon and the 10km fun run.

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