Access Bank Lagos City Marathon organisers commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu's exemplary support to sports

Posted : 10 February 2024

Mr. Bukola Olopade, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nilayo Sports Management Company, owners of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his exemplary support for sports in Lagos State during an interview on the sidelines of the 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon press briefing held at Access Bank headquarters in Oniru, Victoria Island.

As part of the activities marking the 9th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the organizers arranged a press briefing to showcase what to expect in the nine-year-long event.

Reflecting on the journey so far, the CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Company expressed gratitude to Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for the world Gold-label race after elevating it from Bronze level.

"We are thankful to Gov. Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government because the governor has shown that he is a man to beat when it comes to sports development in Nigeria. We can see this even from the way he challenged everyone and hosted the Super Eagles of Nigeria before they departed for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), when nobody gave the team a chance. Now the team is successful, and we are all enjoying the success today," he said.

Olopade noted that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has been instrumental in the giant strides made by the race, especially moving from one label to another.

"Looking at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon today, Gov. Sanwo-Olu has been instrumental to its success so far. He put himself into it, even though he could have looked away given that it is a privately owned race, but he took it for himself. Gov. Sanwo-Olu put all the ingredients that have grown the marathon from the bronze label that he picked it from to the gold label, and now we are talking about the Platinum label. We also want to thank all our sponsors, especially Access Bank, for picking up the race from scratch until now," he said.

Olopade, however, mentioned that the different varieties introduced to the race would help make it a more perfect event.

The press briefing attracted several dignitaries in the sports circle, such as the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Tonobok Okowa, Director General (D-G) of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), executives from World Athletics, among others.

Over 88 Gold Label athletes are expected to grace the 9th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, and the United Nations also sent 15 refugee runners who will participate in the Lagos City Marathon.

The top contenders for the race include Kenyan Demis Kipmeto, a former world record holder with the time of 2:02:57. Also expected is Kelkile Gezahegn of Ethiopia with 2:05:56, Kiptoo Edwin of Kenya 2:06:56, among others.

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon organisers commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu's exemplary support to sports

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