Sports

Ikogosi Marathon Returns October 31, Targets Youth Empowerment, Sports Tourism

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2026

…As Oyebanji Reaffirms Support as 17.5km Race Targets Greater Opportunities

Joel Ajayi

The 2026 Ikogosi Marathon, organised by the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, will hold on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with the 17.5km road race expected to attract about 8,000 runners from Nigeria and other countries.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s support for the event, underscoring the State Government’s commitment to initiatives that advance youth development, promote sports tourism, encourage grassroots sports and stimulate economic activity across Ekiti State.

The 2026 edition is expected to build significantly on the success of the 2025 race, which attracted approximately 5,000 runners from Nigeria and other countries, further strengthening the Ikogosi Marathon’s growing profile as a major road-running and sports-tourism event.

A total of ₦30 million in prize money will be shared among leading elite athletes and eligible Ekiti indigene runners, providing strong incentives for competitive performance while creating opportunities to recognise, encourage and reward outstanding homegrown talent.

Governor Oyebanji’s support for the race further underlines his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, grassroots development and initiatives that create opportunities for young people while opening new avenues for small and medium-scale businesses across the state.

Building on the success of the last edition, which received commendation for its organisation, athlete welfare and prompt payment of prize money, organisers are working to make the 2026 race bigger, better and fully aligned with international standards, with particular emphasis on athlete welfare, safety, organisation and the overall race experience.

The scenic 17.5km route, from Ilawe-Ekiti to the renowned Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, will provide more than a competitive sporting experience. It will showcase Ekiti’s natural attractions, culture and infrastructure while strengthening the state’s position as an emerging destination for sports tourism, adventure and investment.

For the people of Ekiti, the economic opportunities extend well beyond the race itself. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders, artisans and other small and medium-scale businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of athletes, officials, visitors and spectators.

Young people are also expected to benefit from opportunities in event management, hospitality, logistics, media, security, sports services and other activities associated with the planning and delivery of a major sporting event.

The Ikogosi Marathon will also provide an important platform for youth engagement, grassroots sports development and talent discovery, particularly for athletes from Ekiti State.

Ekiti indigene runners will have dedicated opportunities to benefit from the ₦30 million prize purse alongside the elite field, giving local athletes additional motivation to compete at the highest level while gaining valuable experience, exposure and opportunities to advance their sporting careers.

Beyond athletics, the growing participation in the Ikogosi Marathon provides an opportunity to showcase Ekiti to a wider national and international audience. With thousands of runners, officials, spectators and visitors expected, the race will help promote the state’s tourism assets while generating economic activity within host communities and across the state.

The event is also expected to strengthen Ekiti’s profile as a destination capable of hosting major sporting and tourism events, while showcasing the state’s people, culture, natural attractions and infrastructure to participants and audiences within and outside Nigeria.

The organisers have been commended for their consistency and determination in sustaining the race and progressively raising its standards. With participation expected to grow from approximately 5,000 runners in 2025 to about 8,000 in 2026, expectations are high that this year’s edition will set a new benchmark while delivering lasting sporting, economic and social benefits to the people of Ekiti State.

Registration for the 2026 Ikogosi Marathon is officially open and FREE.

The race will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, over a distance of 17.5km.

To register, visit www.ikogosimarathon.com.

The Ikogosi Marathon is an initiative of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative, organised in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government.

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

10 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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