Sports

SPOJAN ELECTIONS: Adewale Ajayi, Remi Sulola, others elected

Published

5 years ago

October 24, 2021

The Sports Journalists Association of Nigeria (SPOJAN) has elected Adewale Ajayi as the inauagural president of the Association. The hitchfree election was conducted on Saturday 23rd, October 2021 as members elect officers into various executive positions.

SPOJAN is an Association of Nigerian journalists residing within and outside Nigeria with aim of providing enabling environment for its members by offering trainings, seminars, and most importantly taking in to cognisance welfare of members.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected president of the Association, Wale Ajayi thank members for the opportunity bestow on him to lead the Association while also admitting the skepticism arrogated to the Association but promises to steer the course to a desireable destination.

The acceptance letter reads in part:
“A journey of a thousand miles has started in earnest with a big step. With great humility and with a heart full of joy, I say thank you to everyone that participated (in the voting exercise) and to everyone that voted for me.

“I also want to thank my big brother Mr. Dapo Sotiminu for believing in me and in this dream and for having the humility to step down for a younger brother to climb.”

SPOJAN is an apolitical Association and became a doctrine of necessity owing to series of challenges facing Nigerian journalists which the Association is commited to finding a lasting solution to.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone that voted today. We have all taken the first step towards re-writing and redefining our story as sports journalists. There are too many opportunities out there that most of us are not aware of. This is the time to explore and discover these opportunities. We are in this together and together we shall rediscover ourself in a profession that promises so much but offers so little.”

Contrary to misconception by many, SPOJAN has no plan to set up a parallel group against the constituted journalist’s body rather the Association is ready to be affiliated to the parental body which is the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Wale Ajayi reiterate the need to create opportunity for Sports journalists as this was echoed in the concluding part of his acceptance speech.

“Many are willing to learn so we must create opportunities for them to learn and acquire more knowledge. It is a massive task, a huge responsibility but these group of men and women elected as your SPOJAN executives are not shy of responsibilities or scared of challenges.

“This is a new dawn for sports journalism in Nigeria. Many are scared of this movement and many are also skeptical. There are a few among us that don’t want to be seen as joining a rebel group and are cleverly playing save.

“This is not a rival or rebel group, this is a movement of strong progressives and we are ready to take our destinies into our own hands. We are in SWAN, we are with SWAN but we not tied to that string that has tied us to a world of uncertainties.

“Journalism is big. It is a big profession and in it, there are business opportunities. Let’s go out there and explore.

Other elected executive members are
Arafat Aliu (1st Vice President, Diasporal), Enitan Obadina (Vice President, Nigeria), Kisu Sulola (Secretary), Ikenna Nwokedi (Assistant Secretary), Aleshinloye Owolabi (Treasurer), Mike Osarieme (Financial Secretary), Olawale Quadry ( Public Relation Officer), and Tobi Adepoju (Welfare Officer).

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race

Published

11 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

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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