Sports

Unibadan VC Commends Ex-Footballers On Their Réunion

Published

3 years ago

December 19, 2023

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan Professor Kayode Adebowale has commended the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association for always remembering the Premier University.

The Don made the statement when the Executives and Board of Trustee members of the Association visited him in his office, as part of the activities to mark the annual Reunion program of the Association which is in its 9th edition.

The VC who personally received the Team along some principal officers of the school , was delighted and expressed his Joy at receiving the team and was deeply grateful for the contributions of the Association to their Alma mater.

He specifically, appealed to the Association to assist the University , by bringing financial, structural development in Sports facilities and global connections to the institution.

In addition, the VC, acknowledged the past support from the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA) and looked forward to them linking with the Alumni Directorate for diaspora integration.

The VC was gifted with Customized Jersey and the Golden Trophy by the Association.

The Réunion was rounded up with a football match among the members and dinner later in the evening.

The Association presented customized jerseys and balls to the University team preparing for WAUG and NUGA games. The gifts were received by the University’s Director of Sports, Mr Kehinde Enyiomo,

The President of the Association Edwin Evbie was full of appreciation to all members for making the program a success, while promising a better outing in 2024.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank CEO Urges Runners To Use Abuja Half Marathon As Springboard To Bigger Stage

Published

18 mins ago

November 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefiele, has urged participants in the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon to seize the opportunity provided by the competition to prepare themselves for bigger challenges on the international athletics stage.

Emefiele gave the charge on Friday at the World Press Conference ahead of the third edition of the 21.1km race scheduled for Saturday, November 14, in Abuja.

He described the competition as an important platform for discovering and nurturing athletic talents, encouraging runners to see the race beyond the immediate challenge of competing for prizes and recognition.

According to him, the Abuja City Half Marathon offers athletes an opportunity to test their abilities, improve their performances and position themselves for greater opportunities in international road racing.

He reaffirmed PremiumTrust Bank’s commitment to its partnership with Nilayo Sports Management Limited, describing the collaboration as a valuable investment in sports development and the growing profile of Nigeria’s athletics industry.

Emefiele said the bank remained committed to supporting the competition and its ambition to attain greater international recognition, particularly the World Athletics Silver Label status.

He noted that sustained private-sector investment and effective partnerships were essential to raising the standard of sporting competitions and creating opportunities for Nigerian athletes.

The bank’s partnership with Nilayo Sports Management Limited has been instrumental in sustaining the annual competition since its introduction in 2024.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, expressed delight at hosting the third edition, describing the race as an important sporting event with significant economic and tourism potential for Abuja and Nigeria.

She commended PremiumTrust Bank for its continued support, noting that the institution’s commitment had helped strengthen the competition and advance its ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading road-running events.

“It is easy to associate with success when everything is already in place. It takes conviction to step forward and help make that success possible,” Olopade said, acknowledging the bank’s contribution to the growth of the marathon.

She explained that the competition was designed to achieve objectives beyond elite athletic performances, including promoting healthy living, attracting international attention, stimulating local businesses and positioning Abuja as a destination for major sporting events.

The World Press Conference, held at Hilton Hotel, Abuja, attracted representatives of World Athletics, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Among those present were NOC First Vice President, Chief Solomon Ogba; Emefiele; Olopade; and AFN Technical Director, Yusuf Alli.

The third edition of the race will feature a 21.1km course starting from the Old Parade Ground along Mohammed Buhari Way and finishing at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The competition has attracted elite international and Nigerian athletes, with the overall winner scheduled to receive $8,000, while the second and third-place finishers will earn $6,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Separate prize categories have also been provided for leading Nigerian athletes.

Already recognised by World Athletics as a Label Road Race, the Abuja competition is seeking to build on that achievement by attaining Silver Label status, a development expected to further enhance its international profile.

With growing participation, corporate backing and international technical involvement, organisers are optimistic that the competition will continue to provide a platform for emerging athletes to showcase their abilities while opening doors to bigger opportunities in global athletics.

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