Sports
Ajegunle City Youth Marathon Begins With VIP Race
Organisers of the maiden Ajegunle Youth Marathon, kick started the race on Saturday, November, 23, 2024 with a well attended VIP race .
The 2.5 kilometer race which attracted important personalities including community and political leaders and celebrities was flagged off at the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area and terminated at the Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat.
On hand to flag off the race is the traditional ruler Oba Moroof Amodu- Tijani ( Amore III), Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, assisted by the Vice Chairmen of Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Area and Ifelodun Local Council Development Area who represented their bosses; Hon Fatai Adekunle Ayoola and Hon.Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo respectively.
Speaking at the flag off, Oba Amodu- Tijani explained that Ajegunle is synonimous with sports and that the race is important because it will serve as talent discovery, maintenance of peace, unity and harmony amongst the various ethnic and diverse religious groups that inhabit the area.
The Royal Father while commending National Youth Council of Nigeria for coming out with the wonderful initiative; said the race will also show Nigerians that Ajegunle is not a crime prone area but an area full with talented sportsmen, musicians and artists.
” This marathon is important to us because it will help in spreading the gospel of unity and togetherness amongst the various ethnic groups that make up Ajegunle and we must thank the National Youth Council of Nigeria for coming up with this wonderful initiative”, he said.
The Oba commended the good job the Chairman of Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Area is doing through provision of modern sporting facilities at the Maracana Stadium which he said is geared at keeping youths off crime and enable them become useful citizens,urging other Council Chairmen to emulate him
Also speaking, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Commissioner in the Audit Committee of Lagos State, reminded Nigerians that marathon is not just about exercise or winning but a message is being passed through it to the outside world that Ajegunle boasts of budding talents in sports, politics and business and that the organisers want to change the narratives for people to know that a lot of good things are happening in the city
In his own remarks, Sports Director General of the Local Government, McAnthony Anamaelechukwu noted that Ajegunle in the past has been known with producing great footballers and music talents but they want to use the marathon and announce to Nigerians that the city is good at athletics even as he stressed that the idea behind the race is to take youths off the street, shawn social vices and be off crime
Coordinator National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area Isaac Success Omoleye said the whole idea about the marathon is to promote fitness and healthy living as well as promote synergy among youths irrespective of age, religion and tribe.
He said that the race will also create awareness that it’s not only football and music that Ajegunle is noted for but that it also have long distance runners who can bring glory to the country.
” It’s important to state that the youths are the most viable assets to the growth and development of any nation and as such, the marathon will serve as a platform to harness the potentials of Ajegunle youths for meaningful youth engagement and also show Nigerians at large that the city apart from having talented footballers, musicians and artists equally boasts of good distance runners”, he explained.
Project leader , Ajegunle city youth marathon, Isaac Moses giving insight into what to expect on Saturday, November 30, day of the main marathon, he said that all arrangement has being put in place for a successful fun filled race
“Right now we are expecting over a thousand runners and we’re receiving security assistance from Nigerian Police, Lagos Neighbourhood Agency, and the Federal Road Safety Commission.
” The Lagos State Ministry of Health will be sending two ambulances for precautionary measures. So, we are good to go. There will be free medical checks on High blood pressure, sugar level and HIV status while our volunteers are fully ready for the race.
The take off point of Saturday’s race will be at the Maracana Stadium while the finish point is the Sports Ground of Nigerian Army Signals Barracks, Mile 2, Lagos
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, who pass on at the age of 61.
Rufai was not just a national treasure but a global ambassador of Nigerian football. His fearless goalkeeping, unmatched charisma, and commitment to the green and white made him a symbol of pride and resilience for millions of Nigerians.
Reacting to the news of his passing, chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed deep sorrow:
“This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero, he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also paid tribute:
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian sports. His commitment to the game, both on and off the field, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts.”
A stalwart of the golden era of Nigerian football, Rufai played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 in both editions.
At the club level, he had an illustrious career across Europe, representing top teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—most notably Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF.
Beyond his heroics on the pitch, Peter Rufai was a mentor and a beacon of inspiration to younger generations. After retirement, he dedicated his life to discovering and nurturing budding football talents, remaining a pillar of support and guidance in the football community.
The NSC extends heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all those whose lives were touched by the great Dodo Mayana.
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has successfully hosted WT Level 2 (Higest Taekwondo Coaching Cadre Course) with about 40 taekwondo coaches drawn from different states and institutions across Nigeria.
The World Taekwondo designated Tarik Benradi from Morocco as the Course Resource person. Tarik Benradi doubles as the Chairman African Taekwondo Union Referees Department.
The course was declared open by the Chairman National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko. He was accompanied by senior officers of the NSC like the Director FEAD and many aides.
President Nigeria Taekwondo federation, Tayo Popoola was grateful for the rich support of the National Sports Commission.
The course covered core Taekwondo Coaching areas like Team Management, Athletes Psychology, Drug Education, Coaches Technical Knowledge of taekwondo contest rules etc. Physical, theoretical and visual means were employed to pass down instructions during the course.
All participants took an examination at the end of the course.
The Closing Ceremony was witnessed by the President NOC Engnr Habu Gumel.
Gumel promised to support the NTF if the next of such course could be hosted by Nigeria.
Nigeria will be hosting 2 World Taekwondo tournaments in August and September this year. Which are signs that Nigeria is gradually coming back to the taekwondo world map
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has congratulated the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
In a statement signed by NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the Federation expressed confidence that CGC Adeniyi will bring innovation and transformation to the WCO.
Nimrod noted that Adeniyi has significantly improved the fortunes of Nigeria Customs in a short time, adding that the global community will soon feel his positive impact.
He also highlighted Adeniyi’s strong support for sports, particularly volleyball, through consistent sponsorships.
“The entire board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation congratulates you on your election as Chairperson of the WCO Council,” the statement read.
“In just two years as CGC, you have not only boosted revenue collection and surpassed budgetary targets, but have also made substantial investments in volleyball.
“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service sponsored the 2024 Volleyball League and hosted the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, widely acclaimed as the best edition to date.
“We are confident you will exceed expectations at the WCO Council.”
CGC Adeniyi will officially assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
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