Athletics

YOURS IS A CALL TO SERVICE, SPORTS MINISTRY CHIEFTAIN, ADESOLA TELLS NEW AFN HELMSMAN

Published

6 years ago

December 4, 2019

Nigeria’s sports ministry’s support for the suspension of the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) gained more credence as the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Adesola Olusade held a meeting with AFN’s new helmsman, Olamide George.

Ministry’s sources informed the Sports Village Square that Adesola told the acting AFN boss “being the president of any federation in the sports sector was a call to national service and not a position any one occupies to build an empire for himself.”

The clarification was made in a statement signed by the director for press at the ministry, Mrs A.B Lere-Adams.

It was when the Acting President of the AFN, Olamide George and other board members visited the Minister of Youths and Sports Development in Abuja.

According to the statement, the representative of the Minister, Adesola Olusade, speaking further, said the committee needed to review all obnoxious clauses that reserves exclusive powers on an individual like the president to unilaterally convene meetings without recourse to board members.

That was in apparent reference to the extra ordinary congress that Ibrahim Gusau called in Akwa.

Adesola advised that wisdom should be applied to ‘’review and improve on the prevailing constitution of the AFN, adding, National interest and determination to assist Coaches and Athletics to attain podium performances at competitions should be uppermost in their activities.

Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary strongly admonished members to put on their thinking cap and note that government alone cannot fund sports. He stressed that the Minister, Sunday Dare is presently exploiting on the rebirth and review of initiatives – Adopt An Athlete; Adopt A Pitch – all in a bid to repackage the age long system of collaboration with philanthropists, who will take up the bills of these athletes with the Ministry playing the supervisory role between the Athletes, Coaches and the Donors.

Continuing, the Permanent Secretary seized the opportunity to enjoin the members to put the welfare of Athletes on the fore while assuring the Acting President and his team of the Ministry’s support in volunteering any possible assistance when necessary.

Clarifying the issue of the Eight Hundred and Fifty million Government counterpart fund, Adesola confirmed that it was not released since the AFN and LOC then failed to present their expenditure and deficit documents which would have necessitated the release of that fund after the successful completion of the Games. Also explaining on the IAAF $150 Thousand Dollars, the Permanent Secretary said records in the Ministry revealed that the bulk of the money was spent between May and August 2017, but the other bulk was spent in 2019 without any reference to the Ministry, more so it was paid into a private account in 2018. He said it is pertinent to clear these issues in the event of unfolding issues in the AFN.

Earlier, the Acting President, George said it was necessary to brief the Youth and Sports Ministry being the Supervisory Ministry on recent development in the Federation.

He also confirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development had not intervened, nor had any affair in the recent issues in the Federation: while also assuring that with the completion of investigation; if the suspended President Gusau would be proved innocent of these weighty allegations, he will be reinstated.

Athletics

Kenya’s Kipchumba Wins Big as East Africans Dominate 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Published

1 week ago

February 14, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering delivered a commanding Valentine’s Day performance to win the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday.

Kipchumba surged to the finish line at Eko Atlantic City in an impressive time of 2:11:55, clinching the $50,000 winner’s prize in one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. His decisive kick in the closing stages sealed a memorable triumph in a fiercely contested men’s elite race.

Uganda completed a strong showing on the podium, with Lomoi Samuel finishing just four seconds behind the winner in 2:11:59, while compatriot Namutala Kephar Lumbasi secured third place in 2:12:25 to underline East Africa’s dominance in the men’s event.

The Gold Label marathon, organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited under the leadership of Managing Director Mrs Yetunde Olopade, once again lived up to its billing as a premier long-distance spectacle, attracting top-tier athletes from across the continent and beyond.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meseret Meleka claimed top honours, crossing the line in 2:37:36 after a determined run. Kenya’s Daniel Flomena Cheyech followed closely in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Getaw Wgagen Zewdalem finished third in 2:38:59 to complete a tightly fought podium finish.

With another thrilling chapter added to its history, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon reaffirmed its growing stature as a leading destination for elite runners and a major highlight on Africa’s athletics calendar.

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Athletics

Organisers Hail 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as ‘Iconic’ Start of New Decade

Published

1 week ago

February 13, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

The organisers of the gold-labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have described Saturday’s 11th edition as an iconic milestone that ushers in a new decade for one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.

Speaking at a press conference held at the headquarters of Access Bank in Lagos, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, said the 2026 edition represents growth, resilience and renewed ambition for the marathon.

“This 11th edition is symbolic for us. It is not just another race; it signals the beginning of another decade of excellence, impact and global recognition for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon,” Olopade said.

She expressed appreciation to Access Bank, corporate sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support and commitment to the annual event.

“We are deeply grateful to Access Bank, our valued sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their consistency and belief in this vision. Together, we have built one of the most revered road races in Africa, and this year’s event will be nothing short of world-class,” she added.

Olopade assured runners, partners and spectators of a top-quality race that would further consolidate the marathon’s international standing and enhance its global profile.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, commended the organisers for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the marathon has continued to elevate Lagos’ image globally.

“The Lagos State Government remains fully committed to supporting the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon because it continues to put Lagos on the global map in a positive light,” Fatodu said.

“This race is more than a sporting event; it is a celebration of our culture, resilience and capacity to host world-class events. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for it to thrive.”

Adding his voice, Dr Nadeem Khan, President of the International Association of Ultra Runners, described the marathon’s evolution over the years as remarkable.

“The progression I have seen at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is truly phenomenal. Year after year, the race keeps improving in standards, organisation and global appeal,” Khan said.

The 2026 edition is expected to attract elite athletes from across the world, further reinforcing the marathon’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading road races and a flagship sporting event for Nigeria.

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Athletics

World Athletics Africa Running Conference Enters Home Stretch in Lagos

Published

1 week ago

February 13, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Kenya’s Paul Tergat, a former World Record holder & IOC Member will speak on Changing mindsets and making active communities in Africa.

By Kunle Solaja.

The Africa Running Conference (WAARC) 2026 is entering its decisive phase in Lagos, with global athletics leaders intensifying discussions on how to reposition road running and mass participation across the continent.

Held under the theme “Reshaping Running and Mass Participation in Africa: Embracing the Global Community,” the conference has drawn administrators, business leaders, federation heads and international experts committed to redefining Africa’s running ecosystem.

The Director General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for strategic collaboration between government, federations and private sector stakeholders. The President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Ahmed Kalkaba Malboum, addressed delegates, while Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, sent in remarks via video message, underscoring the global importance of Africa’s growing road running movement.

Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu formally declared the conference open, reaffirming Lagos’ ambition to remain a continental hub for sports tourism and mass participation events.

Global Perspectives and Strategic Conversations

The conference featured a series of high-level presentations. Dr Nadeem Khan, President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, opened technical discussions with a presentation on “Road Running in Africa: A Global Perspective.” He was followed by Jackson Tuwei, Vice President of World Athletics and President of Kenya Athletics, who examined the “Growth and Development of Running in Africa.”

Business and commercial sustainability dominated the first panel discussion on “Sponsorship & Marketing: The Business Behind Road Running & Mass Participation in Africa.” The panel featured Fama Abdalla Awale, Adille J. Sumariwalla, Bukola Olopade and Ameachi Okobi of Access Corporation, moderated by Chris Robb of Mass Participation World.

Innocent Ike, Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Holding PLC, delivered a talk on creating sustainable public engagement through road running, while former marathon world record holder and IOC Member Paul Tergat spoke on changing mindsets and building active communities across Africa.

Bernard Bwalya, President of Zambia Athletics, addressed grassroots integration in his presentation titled “Federation Meets Community for Grassroots Development.”

Shaping the Future of African Running

A second panel session focused on transforming running culture and expanding participation, featuring Yetunde Olopade of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, John Peter of the Kigali International Peace Marathon, Tayo Popoola of the Lagos Women Run, and Elias Ng’andu Mpondela, moderated by Nadeem Khan.

Chris Robb later outlined a forward-looking strategy in his presentation on “Mass Participation Vision 2050,” while Kristian Midtgaard of Roster Athletics highlighted the growing role of digitalisation in race organisation and athlete engagement.

Tourism and economic impact also came under review, with Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside Aku Aghazu, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, examining the effects of road running on tourism development.

The final panel on the “Future of Road Running in Africa” brought together Aku Aghazu, Alessio Punzi of World Athletics, TCHANILE-SALIFOU Falilatou of Togolese Athletics and Paul Tergat, again moderated by Nadeem Khan.

Chief Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, delivered the vote of thanks, while Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, formally declared the conference closed.

The conference proceedings are being streamed live by Style Digital Production, allowing stakeholders across the continent and beyond to follow deliberations expected to influence the next phase of road running development in Africa. The YouTube channel for the livestreaming is: https://youtube.com/@styledigitalproduction-hq7zg?si=dZZHW70eZGWHxTi2

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