Athletics
Sports heavyweights indicate readiness to volunteer at the 2025 ECOWAS Marathon as registration starts
As preparations intensify for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, key figures in the sports and fitness industry have expressed their eagerness to volunteer and contribute to the event’s success.
The marathon, set for March 1, 2025, is part of activities to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
With thousands of runners expected to participate in the 21-kilometre half marathon and the 5-kilometre race, volunteers will be crucial in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.
Gabriel Okon, the Race Director emphasized the significance of volunteers in an event that dedicated individuals to handle various logistical and operational aspects.
“Marathon is not just about the runners; it’s about the team behind the scenes. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful race, from registration and logistics to hydration stations and medical support. Their role is invaluable in making the event smooth and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.
Application for volunteers opened Monday, February 3, 2025, and interested applicants can pick up a form at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria office, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package A, Abuja.
Members of the sports family including athletes, coaches, fitness trainers, and others have pledged to support the event in different capacities, from technical assistance to race coordination and mentorship for young runners.
Expressing his delight at the overwhelming response, Okon remarked, “The enthusiasm we are seeing from volunteers is inspiring. From retired directors in the ministry, elite athletes, to community fitness trainers, so many people are eager to be part of this celebration of unity and athleticism. This is more than just a race—it’s a movement that brings people together for a greater cause.”
Beyond the competition itself, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon represents an opportunity to promote health, youth empowerment, and regional unity through sports.
With over $71,000 in prize money up for grabs, the event is expected to attract elite runners while also encouraging participation from amateur fitness enthusiasts.
Okon stressed that the marathon is not only about athleticism but also about making a lasting impact. “We want this marathon to leave a lasting legacy beyond race day. It’s about inspiring people to embrace fitness, fostering friendships across borders, and promoting a culture of healthy living,” he said.
Interested participants can register at www.ecowasabujamarathon.org or visit the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) offices, FCT Sports councils, and local athletics associations across Nigeria.
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BY JAVIER CARRO.
The forward-looking vision seems to chart the course for Yusuf Ali after being appointed this week as CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Nigeria.
In statements to The Guardian, he said on Wednesday that Los Angeles 2028 will be decisive.
The new Chief will not be alone. The NSC officially announced the composition of the rest of the team, which will include 13 members, among whom are prominent figures such as Olympians Mary Onyali and Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, as well as sports development experts like Professor Ken Anugweje.
Yusuf Ali, CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC)
Ali, known for his historic 8.27-metre jump at the 1989 African Athletics Championships, will lead them all.
For Ali, the next Olympic appointment will serve as a key indicator of the success that the policies implemented by the board may hold.
“The 2028 Games will be an important test of how much effectiveness has advanced, and this will also be reflected in other international sporting commitments of the country before that date,” he stated.
The main objective pursued by this arm of the NSC, according to Ali, is none other than to achieve outstanding sporting success that leads to visible results.
“Our mandate seeks to achieve excellent performance in all disciplines, which will lead us to be present on the podiums and in the various international sporting commitments,” he noted.
Ali, who was previously president of the Edo State Sports Commission, stated that his appointment symbolises national recognition for the work he has been doing over the years in favour of sports development.
In the same vein, he assured that his new position presents him with a significant challenge: to offer the best to place the Nigerian sports sector at the top, making it the engine of an activity that becomes profitable for all those who participate in it. From this perspective, his idea is to turn sport into an economically attractive and sustainable industry.
“In countries with very strong development and implementation policies, sport is a huge business, and that is the goal of the National Sports Commission’s leadership.
We want a multi-million naira sports industry that generates income for both the nation and the participants,” explainedAli. The NSC expects this project to contribute 5% of the national GDP and generate between 3 and 4 billion dollars (€2.9/4.2 bn) in net annual income by 2027.
Ali made it clear that the seed of good international sports performance begins with the implementation of strong national policies.
“Great elite performance involves ensuring solid talent identification and development, fostering continuous coach training, and ensuring adequate funding allocation in the form of training grants for athletes and coaches.
This will be the core of the board,” he stated.
Beyond accumulating in athletics a record that shines with a national long jump record that has been in place since 1989 and the three medals he won in that championship, Ali also has an important track record dedicated to sports management.
In 2022, the then Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, appointed him as Nigeria’s coordinator for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. On that occasion, the team returned home with 12 gold medals.
The composition of the NSC Board is made up of carefully selected experts, as highlighted by the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade.
“All committee members were selected for their experience and knowledge to help Nigeria achieve sustainable success on the podium,” he noted.
-Inside The Games
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Athletics
Excitement grows as Nilayo Sports Management Company unfolds Access Bank Lagos City Marathon program
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Expo has been slated to be held from the 3rd to the 13th of February this year. Nilayo Sports Management Company unfolds the plans as Nigeria’s premier road race hits its 10th anniversary.
The Expo is part of key activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gold labelled race, which is now one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.
According to the Organisers, the Expo has been well designed to carry a full package of Entertainment and fun throughout the event at the Teslim Balogun stadium.
Some of the side attractions of the Expo include lots of music, exhibitions, health talks and pick up of Marathon kits for runners participating in the Marathon on the 15th of February 2025.
This year’s Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is expected to have in attendance over four thousand international runners while the organisers are also expecting about one hundred elite runners from all over the world at this year’s Race.
The International Association of Athletics Federation, IAAF, says the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon attained the Gold labelled status because it has continued to professionally distinguish itself both at the level of organisation and participation.
The Marathon has become a key feature in the annual calendar of World Athletics, and one of the World’s fastest-growing road races.
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The countdown has begun for the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, set to take place on Saturday, February 15, a day after the famous St. Valentine’s Day.
According to the organisers, the marathon this year, celebrates a decade of excellence, as the Gold Label Race holds bigger promises, drawing a global audience.
With 4,000 foreign runners and nearly 100 international elite athletes expected to participate, the streets of Lagos will come alive with the spirit of competition and unity, on Feb. 15th, one day after Valentine’s Day.
The marathon, renowned as one of Africa’s largest, is proudly supported by Access Bank, 7UP Bottling Company, Kia Motors, Airtel, and the Lagos State Government.
While February might be winter in other parts of the world, Lagos is looking to bring the heat with its vibrant energy and world-class hospitality. Whether one is running, cheering, or soaking in the sporting and festive atmosphere, the 10th edition of this race promises to be an unforgettable experience.
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