Sports

Rivers State Inaugural International Marathon Holds May 18

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2024

…Event to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and class

Joel Ajayi

Preparations are in top gear as Rivers State Government hosts its inaugural edition of the Rivers International Marathon on May 18th, 2024.

In collaboration with Arch Raphael Limited, the Rivers State Government is meticulously preparing for its first-ever Rivers International Marathon scheduled for May 18, 2024.

This significant event holds particular importance as it coincides with the state’s celebration of its 57th anniversary since its establishment on May 27, 1967, emerging from the former Eastern Region of Nigeria.

The project consultant, Mr. Femi Abegunde, underscored the timeliness of the marathon, aligning with the one–year anniversary of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership in the state. Governor Fubara’s commitment to empowering the youth and fostering a peaceful environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) resonates with the marathon’s objectives, standing as a key pillar in showcasing Rivers State as a hub for social enterprise, entertainment, and commerce.

Abegunde emphasized, “The Rivers International Marathon not only acknowledges the pivotal role of sports in providing opportunities for the youth but also directly promotes the governor’s vision of creating projects that catalyze SME growth. Sports, as a grassroots influencer, touches every facet of society.”

Addressing the economic potential of the initiative, Abegunde highlighted, “This marathon will create opportunities for widespread youth engagement, stimulate businesses, and offer prospects for individuals before, during, and after the race. The engagement spans various sectors, including traditional media, social media influencers, national and state-level athletics federation members, out-of-home providers, graphic artists, signage experts, food vendors, and marketers of various goods and services. It also aims to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue.”

With anticipation running high, marathon enthusiasts from across Africa are expected to participate, as the registration portal opens on February 15, 2024, for both local and international runners. The event promises to be a dynamic platform, engaging diverse stakeholders and contributing to the overall development and economic growth of Rivers State.

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Sports

VIP Spikers unveil Veronica Gyamfi following successful surgery after career-threatening injury

Published

5 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

VIP Spikers have unveiled Veronica Gyamfi as their player, pledging to support her welfare and recovery after an injury sustained during last season’s CGC Volleyball Premier League.

The unveiling took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with Samuel Onikeku, Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), performing the ceremony.

Gyamfi sustained the injury while representing Wikki during last season’s CGC Volleyball Premier League.

In a swift response, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), and the President of Vipers sponsored her surgery at Dala Orthopedic Hospital in Kano, where she spent two weeks receiving medical attention.

Her signing by Vipers and Partners VC, popularly known as VIP Spikers, is expected to provide her with continued care and support as she progresses through recovery and works towards returning to competitive volleyball.

Meanwhile, Gyamfi was presented a brand new ASICS canvas and a branded jersey of VIP Spikers as it is believed she would return to play after completing her rehabilitation.

The intervention reflects the importance of athlete welfare in Nigerian sports, particularly the need to ensure that players who sustain injuries while representing their teams receive appropriate medical attention and rehabilitation support.

The sponsorship of Gyamfi’s surgery by the Comptroller-General, followed by her signing by VIP Spikers, highlights the potential impact of collaboration between sports authorities, competition sponsors and clubs in safeguarding athletes’ careers.

After the surgery Gyamfi has been undergoing physiotherapy sessions at the 44 Military Reference hospital in Kaduna as the Sporting Club is supporting her education at Kaduna State Polytechnic.

Gyamfi’s story offers an encouraging example of support for an athlete facing a difficult period in her career.

Her unveiling reinforces the message that volleyball development goes beyond competitions and trophies to include protecting players’ welfare and helping them return to the sport they love.

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