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Media Accreditation Begins For 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Published

6 years ago

January 5, 2020

The accreditation process for media practitioners interested in covering the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has officially commenced.

Head of Communications and Media for the marathon, Olukayode Thomas in a statement at the weekend explained that there would be two categories of accreditation that would be given to interested journalists based on merit.

Thomas explained that journalists will be required to send in their passport photographs and biodata toMarathon2020accreditation@gmail.com

“Yes, the process of accreditation is officially on and it will run for the next three weeks,” Thomas stated.

“Journalists are expected to send in their passport photographs and biodata to the email address provided or bring the same to the Marathon Village situated inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos” he added.

While assuring journalists of a seamless environment to carry out their duties at this year’s marathon, the Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon appealed to all to follow the specified rules and regulations.

He said: “We are assuring the media that a world-class press center will be available at this year’s race, all the necessary equipment will also, be provided to make life much easier for our esteemed media partners

“A media guide will also be provided which all accredited journalists will be required to follow strictly so we can have a perfect race and also do our jobs effectively”

Thomas noted that with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (now Silver label race) gunning to become a Gold Label race, top officials of the World Athletics (formerly IAAF) will be in town and it is expedient that Lagos meets and even surpass the standards obtainable in other top marathons across the world in order to achieve the set goal.

“One critical area the World Athletics will be looking at is how clean our finish area is, that is why we have provided a press centre for journalists, they are not expected to be at the finish line at all or the recovery areas”

“The media guide will provide all with the do’s and don’ts so we are all on the same page, we do not want to revoke the accreditation of anyone but that may be the case once individuals fail to adhere to the laid down rules.” Thomas stated.

The window to apply for accreditation will close on January 24 while the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will hold on February 8.

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

Published

7 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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