…Shambor,Saidajo,Agwu, Modesta Win ₦1 Million Each
By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has pledged his administration’s continued commitment to empowering the youth in the state.
Gov. Nwifuru made this known during the just-concluded 2024 Ebonyi International Half Marathon, held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Abakaliki.
Speaking at the event, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Onyemaechi Obila, expressed his gratitude to the organizers, praising their efforts in successfully hosting the marathon.
“We are proud to host this international event, which has brought together athletes from across the country.
“We will continue to support, develop, and empower our youth to excel in their chosen careers.
“Sincerely, we appreciate the participants, officials, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of this event. Your presence has made this occasion memorable,” he said.
The 21.9-kilometer race saw Agwu Paul from Afikpo emerge as the winner of the male category in the local section, while Anyigor Modesta from Ezza North clinched the top spot in the female local category.
For the national section, Ishmael Saidajo from Cross River took the lead in the male category, while Blessing Shambor from Plateau State triumphed in the female category.
The winners of both the local and national categories received ₦1 million each. The second-place winners were Owo Francis from Ezza North (male, local) and Omaka Nkem from Ohaukwu LGA (female, local), while Musa James from Plateau (male, national) and Agufere Charity (female, national) took second place in their categories.
Third-place finishers were Okoro Emmanuel from Ohaozara (male, local) and Faith Nwankwo from Ohaukwu LGA (female, local), with Adamu Muazu from Plateau (male, national) and Dala Patience from Plateau (female, national) securing third place.
In his remarks, National distance coach Steven Nuhu praised the state’s hospitality but suggested areas for improvement.
“The people are accommodating, and the road is good, but starting the marathon on time and improving security along the route will make the event even better in the future,” he noted.
Earlier, Hon. Richard Idike, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ebonyi, hailed the marathon as the first of its kind in the Southeast, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to its success.
“This event marks a significant milestone for sports in the Southeast. We are grateful for the support and look forward to even greater achievements in the future,” he said.
The marathon winners, including Blessing Shambor, Ishmael Saidajo, and Adamu Muazu, expressed their gratitude to the government for providing the platform to showcase their talent and called for continued support to further enhance sports development in the state.