Access Bank Restates Commitment to Community, Sustainability at 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Access Bank PLC proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon last Saturday, highlighting the platform’s ability to foster unity, promote healthy lifestyles, and showcasing African excellence on the global stage.

L-R: Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission; Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Sang Benard Cheruiyot, 3rd position, 42KM male category; Koech Edwin Kibet, winner; Kipygon Hehemiah, 2nd position, all from Kenya; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor, Lagos State, and his Deputy Obafemi Hamzat, at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition, in Lagos, recently.

Since its inception in 2016, the marathon has evolved into a premier event, attracting participants from across the continent and beyond.

This year’s event, themed, “Miles to Memories,” was particularly significant as it honoured the legacy of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC. Wigwe’s visionary leadership was instrumental in establishing the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, and ultimately transforming it from a local initiative into a globally recognised event.

The race commenced at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, with participants traversing iconic landmarks of the city, including the Third Mainland Bridge, before culminating at Eko Atlantic City. The event not only showcased the athletic prowess of its participants but also highlighted Lagos’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.

Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, reflected on the marathon’s journey, saying, “Ten years ago, we embarked on this journey with a simple goal: to create a marathon that would unite people from all walks of life, celebrate the energy of Lagos, and highlight the incredible potential of our continent.

L-R: Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission; Jerono Peris (Kenya), 3rd position, 42KM female category; Guta Meseret Hirpa (Ethiopia), winner; Alemnesh Herpha Guta (Ethiopia), 2nd position; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State, and Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition, in Lagos, recently.

Today, as we look back on a decade of memories, we see nearly a million runners who have pounded the Lagos asphalt, millions of spectators who have cheered them on, and countless stories of resilience, triumph, and connection.”

“This race is a perfect metaphor for the vision we hold at Access Bank – to become the world’s most respected African bank. Just as this marathon has grown from a humble beginning to become Africa’s most prestigious road race, our commitment at Access Bank is to build a platform that empowers dreams, connects communities, and showcases Africa’s excellence on the global stage,” she added

In the men’s category the Kenyan’s dominated the podium places, with Edwin Kibet emerging victorious, after completing the 42km race with an impressive time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds. Kipygon Nehemiah (2:16:37), placed second while winner of last year’s race, Bernard Sang Cheruiyot, crossed the line in 2:16:49 to take home the bronze medal.

Cross section of athletes at the starting point of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition at the National Stadium, Surulere, in Lagos, recently.

The dominance of the Kenyans was, however, halted in the women’s category of the marathon as Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged winner. Hirpa got to the finish line in a time of 2:37:04 while her compatriot, Aleminesh Herpha was second in 2:38:01, while Kenya’s Jerono Peris was third also in 2:38:01.

Nigeria also had some bragging rights as for the first time in the Marathon’s history, an indigenous participant finished in the top 10. Nyango Gyang Boyi, finished eighth, with a time of 2:25:41.

The success of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, Nilayo Sports Management, and the enthusiastic support of Lagos residents.

As the bank reflects on this milestone, it remains committed to empowering communities and promoting sustainability through initiatives like the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. The bank looks forward to many more years of inspiring stories, athletic excellence, and shared memories.

LAGOS STATE SPORTS COMMISSION, PRACTAGALI PARTNERS UNVEIL PLANS FOR INAUGURAL BOLA AHMED TINUBU SOUTHWEST ALLIANCE GAMES

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and Practagali Partners, organisers of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BAT SWAG), have announced that the inaugural edition of the games will be hosted in Lagos.

BATSWAG, a unifying sports initiative led by Practagali Partners, is designed to discover emerging under-18 athletes from across the Southwest region., encourage mass participation in sports, and provide opportunities for talented athletes to showcase their skills and build a career in sports.

Scheduled for March 2025, the highly anticipated competition will bring together promising young talents from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, to compete in various sporting disciplines, including Athletics (Track & Field), Basketball, Boxing, Football, Table Tennis, traditional African games Ayo-Olopon and Abula. BATSWAG aims to promote youth development, stimulate sports participation, and encourage inclusivity through adaptive sports.

The event will showcase the immense sporting potential within the Southwestern region while creating opportunities for budding athletes to shine on a regional stage.

Speaking on the upcoming tournament, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, expressed enthusiasm about Lagos being identified as the state where the event will be hosted: “Hosting the inaugural edition of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games in Lagos is an honour, and it speaks volumes about the support and commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sports over the years, which has laid the foundation and created many opportunities and resources for Lagos to be the ideal location for any great sporting events.

The future of sports in the South-West region is bright, and the BAT SWAG Games will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for young athletes aiming for national and international success.”

Ms. Funmilola Adedipe, Managing Director of Practagali Partners, highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting that it aims to promote positive engagement among youth and rescue them from the grip of social vices prevalent in society.

According to her, “the BAT SWAG Games will not only nurture talent but also serve as a vital tool for social reformation, using sports as a vehicle for development, empowerment, and hope.”

Adedipe also highlighted the significance of Practagali Partners’ collaboration with the Lagos State Government, noting that the partnership will create sustainable opportunities for youth and further the cause of grassroots sports development across the region. “This partnership with Lagos as the host state will bolster efforts to engage youth meaningfully, and we look forward to discovering new talents that can potentially represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Adedipe added.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is expected to be a remarkable event, showcasing the wealth of talent within the region. The competition will draw in large crowds, enhance community spirit, and create a legacy of sports participation that will impact future generations. By being chosen as the host state, Lagos further solidifies its reputation as a hub for sports development and excellence.

DABIRI-EREWA DESCRIBES SAMSON DAUDA’S VICTORY AS TRIUMPH OF DEDICATION

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Nigerian-British bodybuilder Samson Dauda for winning the 2024 Mr Olympia bodybuilding title, securing more than $600,000—the largest prize in the sport’s history.

Dauda emerged victorious at the finale held at Resorts World Theatre, Las Vegas, beating top competitors Hadi Choopan, who placed second, and Derek Lunsford, the 2023 champion, who finished third.

Dabiri-Erewa in a message through the Commission ‘s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, praised Dauda’s extraordinary journey, from his early years in Lagos to his rise in professional bodybuilding, noting that his win is a moment of pride for Nigerians globally.

“This achievement showcases the excellence Nigerians in the diaspora continue to display across various sectors. Samson Dauda has proven that with focus and perseverance, success is inevitable,” she said.

Born in Lagos, Dauda moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager, where he transitioned from rugby to bodybuilding.

His professional journey took off after winning the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome in 2017. Dauda has since demonstrated consistent growth, culminating in his Mr Olympia title.

NiDCOM continues to celebrate and support the achievements of Nigerians abroad, reaffirming its commitment to promoting their talents and contributions to global development.