Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state expressed his happiness and gratitude to the organisers and legendary African footballers of the testimonial match to celebrate his, achievements in office, paid him a courtesy visit this morning at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Led by the chairman of the organising committee, Waidi Akanni, the players included Diomansy Kamara, Kalilou Fadiga, Tienne Siaka, Mutiu Adepoju, Nwankwo Kanu and others, it was excitement and fun as Gov. Ambode took time to have a photo session with the equally excited players.
” I am truly happy and honoured to have top African and Nigerian stars coming together🤣 to celebrate me. I am grateful to the organisers and all Lagosians. I am inviting all soccer loving fans to come out and enjoy a great time of fun and excitement tomorrow at Agege,” Ambode stated.
Saturday, at the Agege stadium, soccer fans will be treated to massive dose of soccer artistry, as the African XI and Naija XI trade tackles in bids to relive their heydays.
Meanwhile, the selected African stars and their Nigerian counterparts, are expected to hold light training sessions this evening and have a feel of the playing turf of the match venue.
Athletics legend Yussuf Alli has described the decision of the Lagos chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to organise a road race as one of the best things that happened to marathon and road races since Governor Akinwunmi Ambode revived the culture in February 2016 with the Lagos City Marathon.
“The media is the fourth estate of the realm because journalists set agenda and we follow. The decision to organise a road race which is open to all Nigerians with special prizes for journalists and non-journalists will make millions of Nigerians embrace the culture of running, I am so happy with the decision.”
Alli who was within the Top 10 ranking in the world during his active years in the men’s long jump alongside legends like Carl Lewis and Mike Powel for a decade is now the poster face for the organisation of top road races across Nigeria, including the Lagos City Marathon which is an IAAF Bronze Label race, Okpekpe Road Race, Aba Half Marathon and others.
He said that when media practitioners sing the gospel of walking, jogging, running, general exercise and its immense health benefits more and more citizens will embrace it thus leading to a healthier and more productive workforce and less spending by the government on healthcare.
(R) Yussuf Alli
He added: “ Since Governor Ambode revived the culture of marathon in 2016 with the Lagos City Marathon, there has been an upsurge in the interest of Lagosians and Nigerians alike in road races and marathon, so with the media coming in now, that will even help further.”
Alli said he would be more than willing to also help with the Lagos Media Marathon to make it a success right from its first edition.
The Lagos City Marathon General Manager commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and other relevant bodies that were involved in the planning of the Lagos Media Marathon fixed for May 1, 2019.
OVER four thousand runners from 42 countries around the world have registered to participate in the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
This figure does not include over two hundred professional runners mostly from Asia, Europe, America, Kenya, Ethiopia and other East, Central and South African countries.
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Head of Communications and Media Olukayode Thomas revealed that Americans are the highest number of foreigners that will be coming to Lagos for 2019 race slated for February 2, 2019.
Japanese are a close second. Other countries whose citizens have registered for the 2019 race include Holland, Germany, Israel, Poland, England, New Zealand, Canada, Egypt, Austria, Tunisia, Norway, Denmark and others.
Thomas is optimistic that the number will increase before the close of entries in January 2019.
In the first edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in 2016 about a hundred runners from fifteen countries participated, in 2017 there were over a thousand runners from 20 countries and the 2018 edition had over two thousand runners from 30 countries.
Bukola Olopade the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon consultant attributed the increase in the number of tourists coming to Lagos for the race to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s several initiatives and beautification of Lagos State since he was elected governor and has made the state tourist friendly.
“We thank Governor Ambode for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is driving a high number of tourists to Lagos annually but apart from the marathon his beautification of Lagos and other laudable projects like the One Lagos Fiesta and others have turned Lagos State into a tourist destination.”
Olopade assured that the 2019 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be better than the previous editions in several areas, “this year, we are expecting about one hundred and fifty thousand runners, I can assure you that we are planning for more than figure, we have expanded the recovery areas and medals and certificates that will go round all the runners, entertainment, as usual, will be world class, this edition will be an experience of a lifetime for runners and spectators.” Said Olopade.
The culture of international marathons and road races revived by Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode in February 2016 is spreading like wildfire.
The latest cities to catch the bug courtesy Nilayo Sports Management are Abuja and Abeokuta and both did with a record, they became the first races in the history of Nigeria that their routes will be measured, calibrated and certificates issued by IAAF and AIMS before the race.
Their routes were measured and calibrated by world-renowned measurer Norrie Williamson who measured the route of four Olympic Games and many of the world best road races and marathons.
Norrie Williamson and AFN President
Bukola Olopade the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited revealed that the Abuja City Marathon will hold October 13, 2019, and Abeokuta City Marathon November 3, 2010.
Olopade said Abuja the federal capital deserved a full marathon and he thanked the president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Ibrahim Gusau for giving Nilayo Sports the patent for Abuja City Marathon.
He also said Abeokuta the cradle of civilization in Nigeria has witnessed consistent progress since returned to civil rule.
“Segun Osoba opened up the city and the state, Gbenga Daniels moved the city and state from a civil service state to a corporate state while the present government of Ibikunle Amosun has done well in the area of road construction in Abeokuta metropolis, an Abeokuta City Marathon will open the city and the state to the world especially it tourism potentials, the socio-economic and health benefits of the marathon to the city and the state cannot be quantifiable.”
Scenes from the Lagos Marathon
Olopade revealed Nilayo has already secured six sponsors for Abeokuta City Marathon while a telecom giant and an automobile company have signed on for Abuja City Marathon.
He attributed the record-breaking feats of the two races, certification by IAAF/AIMS before the race to Nilayo’s hardworking staff like Yussuf Alli who he believes Nigeria own a debt for his immense contribution to sports development.
The Chairman of Lagos SWAN and Deputy Chairman Lagos Media Marathon, Debo Oshundun, over the weekend told journalists that the aim of the Lagos Media Marathon is to assist the Lagos State Government and our amiable Governor Akinwunmi Ambode achieve another first in global sports in Nigeria, Africa and even the world.
“Apart from media pre-races which serve as build up to the main events like marathons and mountain races, our research has shown that the Lagos Media Marathon is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa. We are also yet to see anywhere in the world where media practitioners organize a marathon similar to the Comrade Marathon organized by miners in Durban, South Africa.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
“So, a successful organization of the Lagos Media Marathon in December 2018 will be a feat, not just for Lagos NUJ but for the Lagos State Government and Governor Ambode, who revived the international marathon culture in Nigeria shortly after he came into office through the approval of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in 2015’’.
Oshundun said the first two editions of the race in 2016 and 2017 earned it the prestigious IAAF Bronze Label, “That is why we are working with Lagos State to achieve another first. We have met with the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos NUJ Chairman and Organising Committee. We hope to meet with Governor Ambode soon for his endorsement of the race and Run Lagos with the Media initiative.
Debo Oshundun, Chairman Lagos SWAN
Oshundun revealed that many international journalists from Europe and Africa have indicated interest in the race, “ but we also intend to invite presidents of international media organisations like IPU and AIPS and all the media owners in Nigeria to join us at the Ikeja New Terminus, the proposed finish point for the race’’.
The Chairman of Lagos SWAN said the finish will be carnival like and many top musicians will perform, “there will also be exhibitions by companies especially media owners, there will also be training on media ethics, especially fact checking and sociological implications of news and new media’’. said Oshundun.
The support coupled with the unique atmosphere created by the Lagos fans continued to prompt top table tennis across the world to be willing to be part of the annual ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open.
Also, the President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Ishaku Tikon has lauded Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his unflinching support at ensuring that the tournament continues to improve every year.
According to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Wahid Oshodi, the tournament continues to receive accolades from the world table tennis ruling body while players across the globe are now eager to be part of the elite tournament in Africa.
“There are many reasons that this tournament grows from year to year but I think firstly we must give kudos to the fans. The Nigeria table tennis fans are in different category and they are known by the foreign players by their support for table tennis. They inspire the players who come here. The inspiration the players get from the fans make them play better. Now people all over the world are asking what is happening in Lagos. The organisation keeps improving every year. We must commend the Lagos State government, the staff of the LOC for the hard work they put into this from each year. The facilities keep getting better. The interest of the federal and state governments especially from the beginning the support we received from the Lagos State government was fantastic,” Oshodi said.
Wahid Enitan Oshodi
Oshodi who is the chairman of the ITTF Nomination Committee added: “This tournament actually started as collaboration between the NTTF and the Lagos state government with the Lagos International Sports Classics and it has grown to become ITTF jewel in Africa. We must give kudos to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The endorsement we received from government helps this tournament to grow from year to year and more importantly the love for sports from governors of Lagos state over the years for this tournament. The last year’s final which Governor Ambode graced show that he is big fan of table tennis and we are hoping that this year he will be us again. He has been supporting the tournament with manpower and financially. Lagos state and the Nigeria Open are partners and hopefully we will continue this partnership for a very long time.”
ITTF Nigeria Open
NTTF helmsman believes Lagos State has become a shining example for others to follow. “I will also urge other states to emulate Lagos because of the enormous support and we will continue to ask for more from Lagos. The more challenging, the competitive the tournament becomes, the more support we will need from the Lagos State government especially now that we have more countries coming in. The support of partners and sponsors has been unprecedented as well. We are also appreciative of the fact that their input has helped us to grow the tournament,” Tikon said.
The Head of Prosperity Fund and Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr. Andrew Davidson has commended the Lagos State Government and the organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
At a breakfast meeting on Monday with the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sports, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, top executive officers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon led by Project Consultant Bukola Olopade, General Manager Marathon Yussuf Alli and Head of Communications and Media Olukayode Thomas, Mr. Davidson said he has consistently followed the progress of the Marathon and that everything about the race has been positive.
Davidson, who has run about twenty marathons and half-marathons around the world, said he would also love to run at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, although he does not know when.
He said marathons and road races are good and urged Nigerians to further embrace the culture of running because of its health benefits and because it provides opportunities to meet people and make new friends.
Davidson said Nigeria has huge potentials and talented people. He would love to see many more Nigerians getting involved in sports and winning medals.
Also at the breakfast meeting was Mike Itemuagbor, the organizer of Okpekpe Road Races and Nick Butter, an ultra runner, endurance athlete, adventurer and charity fundraiser for prostate cancer.
(left to right) Mike Itemuagbor, the organiser of Okpekpe Road Races, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ambode, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Project Consultant Bukola Olopade, Head of Prosperity Fund and Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr. Andrew Davidson, General Manager Marathon Yussuf Alli and Head of Communications and Media Olukayode Thomas
Butter has run 318 marathons so far, 41 ultra events and averages 108 miles every week.
Butter is in Lagos as part of his running around the world project.
Responding, Olopade thanked Davidson for the invitation and his interest in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. He said the success of the marathon, which includes but not limited to getting the prestigious IAAF Label after its second edition and having over 100,000 starters at the 2018 edition, would not have been possible without the support of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Over 100,000 runners of various nationalities turned out in Lagos on Saturday, February 10 for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon brought to you by Nigeria’s foremost bookmaker Bet9ja.
Commenting after the event, Bet9ja representative, Tunji Meshioye, said:
“We’re so impressed with the turnout of Lagosians, Bet9ja fans and just all the athletes, families, even the kids came out to run for the passion of running! That’s why we’re partners with this kind of event. Because it brings people from all walks of life together to achieve a common goal: to reach the finish line no matter what. To beat the odds. And as you can see, that’s what Lagosians have done today.”
Kenya long-distance runner, Abraham Kiprotic, has won the 3rd Lagos City Marathon returning 2hrs 15mins 4secs to emerge the winner on Saturday, carting away the grand prize of $50,000.
2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon winner Abraham Kiprotic
Abraham’s time set a new Lagos City Marathon record, three minutes better than the record set by his fellow compatriot, Abraham Kiptum in the second edition of tourney held last year.
Kenyan duo of Ronny Kipkoech Kiboss and Benjamin Bitok came second and third finishing in 2:13:23hrs and 2:13:29hrs, winning $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
In the female category, it was a clean sweep by Ethiopia as the trio of Alemenesh Herpha Guta, Tigst Girma Getayechew and Ayelu Abebe Hordofa came first, second and third to win $50,000, $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
Iliya Pam was the first Nigerian to finish the 42km race in 2:40:19hrs to win N3m; while Sharubutu Philbus came second in 2:54:16hrs to win N2m and Kefas Williams also got on the medals table finishing third in a time of 2:58:1hrs to win the third prize of N1m.
There were also prizes for Nigerians in the newly introduced 10km race, which saw Sajo Ismaila (male) and Ona Salay (female) drive home a brand new saloon car each and other mouth-watering prizes.
The 42km race started at the National Stadium, Surulere by 6:30 am and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, while the 10km race also began from Osborne and terminated also at the Eko Atlantic City with over 100,000 athletes battling for the various prize monies.
Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has unveiled plans to invest in training of Nigerian athletes to compete with elite athletes all over the world for the grand prize of the annual Lagos City Marathon.
“My promise to Nigeria is this; I’m tired of giving this award to the East Africans and so Lagos State is going to commit professional coaches and then we will go to Jos and then come back in two years’ time to give them (East Africans) fight for their money,” the Governor said.
The fourth edition Lagos City Marathon will take place on February 9, 2019.
The Nigeria Football Supporters’ club has described as sad and painful, the news of the death of Deji Tinubu, the SA Sports to Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
In a condolence message released to the press, the National Chairman of NFSC, Rev. Samuel Ikpea, regretted the sudden and unexpected loss of Tinubu, who he describes as a complete gentleman and seasoned sports administrator.
Deji Tinubu reportedly slumped and died yesterday evening in Epe, during a novelty football match between cabinet members of Lagos State government.
Ikpea, in the emotion laden message stated that Tinubu’s death came at the wrong time as the state government was moving towards the dream of making Lagos the sports hub in Africa.
Deji Tinubu photo credit: Adeyinka Adebayo
“Deji Tinubu’s death remains a rude and unacceptable shock to all of us in the supporters club as well as, the sports fraternity.
“On behalf of the NFSC, I want to express our sincere and heartfelt condolence to the government and the good people of Lagos state, and particular, the sports community over this sad loss.
“And we pray that God grant his family, relatives and the sports loving governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode, the strength and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Ikpea said.
The President of the Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria, Solomon Ogba, has attributed the success of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to the vision of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Ogba, who was President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria between 2009 and April 2017, said: “Lagos has all the ingredients to host a world-class marathon. As President of AFN, I approached many officials of the Lagos State Government, but they didn’t welcome the idea. A few weeks after Ambode was sworn-in, I was still the head of AFN then, Nilayo Sports Management Limited sold the idea to him and he bought into it immediately.”
Solomon Ogba
Ogba said because Ambode saw into the future, he bought into the idea the moment it was sold to him and as a result, today, Lagos State has one of the fastest growing marathons in the world and it is the biggest one-day event in Africa.
“The IAAF and AIMS have a special interest in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon so if you see their top officials at the third edition, don’t be surprised. Lagos is one of the few marathons in the world that got an IAAF Label after just two editions. This is a rare feat. The event had over 50,000 runners at the first edition and over 73,000 in the second, this is something you rarely find in any part of the world’’ said Ogba.
The President of the history-making Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria urged other Governors and corporate bodies to emulate Gov. Ambode and Access Bank.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
“Nigeria does not have enough marathons and road races, Ambode and Access Bank have taken the lead with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. I urge other governors and corporate bodies to emulate them; we need more races in Nigeria. New York State alone has over 70 marathons and road races in a year. Our political and business leaders must embrace marathons even if it’s for the health benefits alone,” Ogba stressed.
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