Sports

Nilayo Sports, Lagos Govt Assure World-Class 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Published

9 months ago

February 13, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The organisers of the gold-labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, have described the 11th edition of the race scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, as iconic, marking the beginning of a new decade for one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Access Bank headquarters in Lagos to herald the commencement of the race, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, said the 2026 edition represents growth, resilience and renewed ambition for the marathon.

She expressed appreciation to Access Bank, other corporate sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support and commitment to the annual event.

“This 11th edition is symbolic for us. It is not just another race, it signals the beginning of another decade of excellence, impact and global recognition for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon”.

“We are deeply grateful to Access Bank, our valued sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their consistency and belief in this vision. Together, we have built one of the most revered road races in Africa, and this year’s event will be nothing short of world class.”

Olopade assured runners, partners and spectators of a top-notch race that will further consolidate the marathon’s status and international standing.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, commended the organisers for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the race has continued to elevate Lagos’ profile globally.

He reaffirmed the state government’s support for the marathon, describing it as a platform that showcases Lagos for the right reasons.

“The Lagos State Government remains fully committed to supporting the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon because it continues to put Lagos on the global map in a positive light,” Fatodu stated.

“This race is more than a sporting event, it is a celebration of our culture, resilience and capacity to host world-class events. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for it to thrive.”

Adding his voice, the President of the International Association of Ultra Runners, Mr. Nadeem Khan, described the growth of the marathon over the years as remarkable, applauding the organisers and stakeholders for their vision and execution.

“The progression I have seen at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is truly phenomenal. Year after year, the race keeps improving in standards, organisation and global appeal,” Khan said.

The 2026 edition is expected to attract elite athletes from across the world, further reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s leading road races.

Share on Facebook

Sports

NSC DG Olopade Applauds FCT’s Move to Develop Gwagwalada Mini Stadium

Published

6 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the planned construction of a mini stadium in Gwagwalada, describing the initiative as a significant boost to sports development in the territory.

Hon. Olopade said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

According to the DG, the proposed Gwagwalada Mini Stadium, when completed, will serve as an important sporting facility during the 2027 African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja, while also providing young athletes in the FCT with access to quality sports infrastructure to nurture their talents.

“As I speak, over 30 contractors have been mobilized to various sites to ensure that sporting facilities and infrastructure are put in place for both our young and elite athletes across the country, Hon, Olopade said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for sports development, noting that the Federal Government had committed over ₦200 billion to the rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“We are more than grateful at the Sports Commission because Mr President has been very supportive of sports like never before. His commitment to spending over ₦200 billion on infrastructure revamp across the country will ensure that indigent children have access to quality facilities to harness their sporting potential,” he added.

The DG emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a critical factor in achieving excellence, noting that the availability and quality of facilities play a major role in athletes’ performance and their ability to secure podium finishes at international competitions.

He described the planned construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium as a welcome development, commending Wike for his continued commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT.

“The construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium by the FCT Minister is a massive welcome development for the Sports Commission. The Minister deserves all the accolades for the good work he has been doing in the FCT, particularly in the area of construction and infrastructure development,” Hon. Olopade said.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of sporting facilities that will support grassroots participation, talent discovery and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

Share on Facebook