Joel Ajayi

The third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon ended on a high note on Saturday, and Nilayo Sports Management has reserved special praise for the event’s lead sponsor, PremiumTrust Bank, for its remarkable role in advancing sports and empowering youths.

More than 120 international athletes competed in the race, placing Abuja firmly on the global athletics map. It was a vibrant spectacle, with athletes, guests and spectators enjoying rich entertainment before, during and after the competition.

The excitement continued into the after-party, where performances by notable artists kept fans and participants in high spirits.

Aside from the health benefits derived from the race, several international athletes and Nigerian youths were also empowered with cash rewards that will be enough for them to set up something meaningful outside sports.

Speaking to journalists, the Chief Operating Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, who conceived the event, expressed deep appreciation to the bank:

“Words are too few to express our profound gratitude to our lead sponsor for the successful hosting of the third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon.

“They have shown credibility and displayed social responsibility. They have tried to take so many youths away from the streets with this platform. We are extremely grateful, and we look forward to a better subsequent edition.

“It’s really an amazing time. You could see that the CEO of PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON, FCIB, was in attendance at the World Press Conference on Friday, and he has been here as early as possible. That shows the commitment and passion he has for sports and youth development.

“Apart from being the lead sponsor of this magnificent event, they have demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm by sponsoring sporting activities. Just on Tuesday, they hosted the Flamingos to a colourful dinner.

“I want to thank the PremiumTrust Bank family and use this opportunity to call on other private sector organisations to invest more in sports, as sports remain a strong tool for economic development and have a way of taking the youth away from the streets. The multiplier effect of sports can never be undermined.”

Olopade also appreciated all those who contributed to the success of the race, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko; the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olawale Olopade; the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okowa; the Vice Chairman of the NOC, Chief Solomon Ogba; the World Athletics Representative, and other key stakeholders in road racing.

Away from the medals, the finish line and the fanfare, this year’s edition has shown what is possible when corporate Nigeria genuinely commits to sports. PremiumTrust Bank did not merely put its name on a race; it invested in young people, in Abuja’s image and in a platform that can change lives. If more private sector organisations follow this example, Nigerian sports will not only grow, it will become a dependable engine for youth empowerment and economic development.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Share

Share

Share

Share

Share