Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to come up with a sustainable programme aimed at producing more distance race athletes for the country.
He gave the charge at the just concluded Abeokuta 10km race, which attracted many elite athletes from various countries of the World.
The race, which was dominated by East Africans, saw Kenyan Biwot Kembol winning the race in a time of 28m: 76 seconds to cart away the top prize of $5,000, while Ethiopian duo of Rotich John and Alemneh Tegene returned in a time of 29m:04 seconds and 30m:16 seconds to come second and third respectively, and also went home with $3,000 and $1,000 respectively.
The first Nigerian to cross the finish line was Emmanuel Gyang, who returned in a time of 31min:03 seconds and was closely followed by Gideon Goyet and Adamu Mua’ zu, who returned in a time of 31m: 41seconds and 32minutes: 02 seconds, respectively.
Gyang for his effort, went home with N1m while the first and second runners-up, got N500,000 and N300,000, respectively.
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In the female category, Ethiopian Tadu Redbone Nate, clocked a time of 33mins: 43sec to emerge winner while Kenyan duo of Cheptoeck Careen and Nancy Jesang finished in a time of 34mins: 28secs and 35mins: 19 seconds to come second and third respectively while the fastest Nigerian female was Fadekemi Okude who finished in a time of 37mins: 29seconds.
The Governor noted that with adequate planning and exposure, Nigerian athletes will compete favourably with their counterparts from East Africa pledging that his administration will continue to support sporting activities aimed at not only impacting positively on the lives of the youths but to showcase the rich cultural values and hospitality of the state to the outside World.
“Kudos must go to the organisers and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for partnering with the Ogun State Government in organising a successful Marathon.
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Our decision to partner with JAC Motors to put up the 10 kilometer race was borne out of the desire to empower the youths through sports and showcase the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of the state to the outside World. It’s also important that the AFN take the issue of marathon serious because we have the athletes who need only good training, adequate exposure and encouragement to challenge for honours in long distance races,” the Governor said.
Race organiser, Bukola Olopade while expressing gratitude to the government and people of Ogun State for their support said they chose Abeokuta because of his desire to ensure that every part of the county feels the fun associated with marathon.
Olopade, a one time Commissioner for Sports, Ogun State explained that the successful hosting of the event will spur his team to organise a more successful and fun filled race in the next edition.
The race which was flagged off by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo attracted about 3,000 athletes
