By Obinna Uballa
Bayelsa State is set to make a mark on the international athletics scene as it hosts a 10km road race on Saturday, April 4, attracting over 2,000 participants from across Africa and beyond.
The event, according to a statement on Friday by Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary, will commence from Opolo Roundabout and conclude at Peace Park in Yenagoa. It is being described by officials as a historic milestone for the state.
Governor Senator Douye Diri said the race underscores his administration’s commitment to positioning Bayelsa as a hub for sports, youth development, and healthy living.
Speaking at a world press conference at the Golden Tulip Resort, Yenagoa, he emphasized that the event is not only a competition but also a celebration of community and youth empowerment.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, Diri highlighted that the marathon would stimulate the local economy, attract international athletes, and lay the groundwork for the 2028 National Sports Festival.
“The Bayelsa State government is committed to promoting sports and youth development through hosting sporting events. We invite residents, visitors, and the media to join this historic occasion,” the governor said.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to sports as a key policy for youth development, noting the state’s continued investments in the sub-sector.
“This race attracts athletes from different parts of the world and encourages our youths to develop themselves. We have also invested significantly in security to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for all participants,” she said.
The event has drawn praise from key stakeholders in Nigerian sports. Chief Solomon Ogba, First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, described the marathon as historic, commending the Bayelsa government for its dedication to empowering young people through sports.
Nadeem Khan, World Athletics representative and President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, noted that Bayelsa would soon appear on the World Athletics calendar.
Khan explained that although Nigeria has elite marathoners, none currently qualify for the elite category in this event, which requires athletes to be among the top 300 globally.
The race carries prize money of $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third, with fourth and fifth place earning $1,000 and $500 respectively.
Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organizers of the race, highlighted the event’s structure across three competitive categories and confirmed that technical and medical teams have been strategically deployed to ensure participant safety. She expressed gratitude to Governor Diri, the state government, and sponsors for their support.
The event’s highpoint included the presentation of race kits to Governor Diri at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
