Sports
Minister Of Sports Development Enthused By Cyclers
Joel Ajayi
It has been very revealing what’s going on in our various sports communities, all targeted at growing grassroots sports and encouraging private sector involvement
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh was present at the Pitstop Lagos Criterium, a monthly cycling race organized by the Pitstop community to promote grassroots cycling, athleticism and Adopt a Youth initiative which seeks to shape responsible, dedicated, and exemplary youths through academic sponsorship, cycling, employment and mentorship by senior members of the cycling community.
The Minister stated clearly the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports Development in the country, paying apt attention to the various sports and their Federations for proper development from the grassroots through to advanced levels.
“The race is highly appreciated, and we should be encouraged by the government’s presence,” he said.
Giving the Sports Minister a brief on the Pitstop Cycling community, Adebisi Adebutu a senior Pitstop mentor said the consistency of the event for the past four years has attracted major corporate sponsors such as Access Bank, Craneburg Construction and Ìlúbìrìn Lagos Island. Mentor Adebisi said :
“This has in turn spiked interest in cycling such that it has become the fastest-growing sport in the country attracting a wide demography from across professional and recreational cyclists. Cycling has developed this deep ecosystem that is providing hope and opportunity to the young people involved in the sport”.
He further mentioned that the cycling community has promoted the “adopt an athlete” initiative of the Sports Ministry which has seen so many athletes being supported by recreational riders.
The Honourable Minister of Sports lauded the Sponsors of the event and encouraged more Corporate Organizations, and the private sector to be encouraged to do more.
” Having me come here sends a signal on the Ministries Openness to collaborate with corporate organizations to develop grassroots sports and encourage greater private sector participation”.
Pitstop Lagos Criterium had 50 participants and three teams, team Access, team Craneburg, and team Ilubirin. The competitors did 23 laps on the Dolphin loop.
Isaac Gana emerged in 1st position and winner of the grand prize of one million naira. Team Access won the best team.
The event was graced by top members of the community who are also mentors including Adebisi Adebutu, John Adesioye, Busola Songonuga, and Femi Ehindero.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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