Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Saturday, participated in the 1st Enugu City International Marathon, completing the 10km road race in 45 minutes, while East African athletes cleared the first, second, and third positions in the elite 42km full marathon.

The event, which was supervised by the World Athletics represented by Nadeem Khan, who is also the President of International Ultra Runners; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria led by its President, Chief Tony Okowa and the 1st Vice President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, drew participants from Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Nigerians, who trooped out in their numbers to compete for the prizes.

In the female elite category, Shaoline Chepriroi of Kenya finished in 2:44:37 (Two hours, forty-four minutes, thirty-seven seconds) to clinch the premium prize of $15,000, Tilahu Birul of Ethiopia finished in 2:45:10 (Two hours, forty-five minutes, 10 seconds) to place second and walk away with $10,000 prize money, while Rita Busiengy of finished in 2:47:17 (Two hours, 48 minutes, seventeen seconds) to finish third, earning her $5,000.

Nigeria’s Blessing Shambo completed the 42 kilometres in 2:48:04 (Two hours, forty-eight minutes, four seconds) to finish fourth and place first among Nigerian female elite runners and went home with N1 million, while Charity Agofure and Elizabeth Pam finished in 2:55:03 (Two hours, fifty-five minutes, three seconds) and 3:01:45 (Three hours, one minute, forty-five seconds) to clinch the second and third prices, respectively, in the Nigerian elite runners category. Agofure and Pam got N750,000 and N500,000, accordingly, for their efforts.

In the men’s category, Ken Kopos of Kenya, ran the 42km in 2:22:32 (Two hours, twenty-two minutes, thirty-two seconds) to claim the star prize of $15,000, while his compatriots, Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang placed second and third, respectively, to earn themselves $10,000 and $5,000, accordingly.

Davou Gyang finished in 2:29:03 (Two hours, twenty-nine minutes, three seconds) to emerge Nigeria’s best in the elite category, beating compatriot Boyi Nyango with just three seconds, while Iliya Pam placed third. They got cash prizes of N1 million, N750,000, and N500,000, respectively.

Lydia Akusho, Esther Afigbo, and Mwantiti Davou came first, second, and third, respectively in the women’s category of the 10km Road Race, while Francis James, Iliya Raymond, and Boyi Gang placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the male category.

While congratulating the winners and participants, Mbah assured of continued improvement of the sporting event, noting that Enugu City International Marathon was in line with his administration’s vision to position Enugu State as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.

“What we have just witnessed is a spectacular event. It is a testament to the power of sports. Remember that I told you all that participated in our last year’s Enugu City Half Marathon that we are going to make the Enugu City International Marathon, an international event. Have we not done that?

“The International Marathon attracted elite runners across Africa. We have long distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. Next year, we are going to attract elite runners from across the world, not just Africa. Our objective is to make the Enugu City International Marathon a major highlight in the calendar of the World Athletic. The world will be watching.

“Meanwhile, what you are witnessing is not a happenstance. It is connecting the dots. When we said that we were going to attract three million visitors every year and make Enugu state the premier destination for tourism, these are all part of the dots. Sports, for us, is beyond recreation. It is a serious business.

“We are going to make sure that through our sporting event, we are going to nurture talents, dreams will be born, goals will be achieved, and talents will blossom. We will be able to attract a lot of businesses. That means our business will thrive. People will come to Enugu and they will spend their money,” Mbah stated

He commended and thanked the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu and his team as well as the consultants led by Yetunde Olopade, who is the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, as well as the security agencies, among others for putting up a great show.

Meanwhile, the flag-off was also witnessed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and former governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, while the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, federal and state lawmakers, as well as commissioners and other officials of the state government came out in their numbers to participate.

A Coach and Sports Administrator, Ebere Amaraizu, has advocated for the use of sports for far-reaching social inclusion and the promotion of overall well-being of every individual in the society.

Amaraizu, who is a graduate of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), made the call on Sunday in Enugu while speaking on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) 2025, which is commemorated globally on April 6.

This year’s theme is: “Leveling the Playing Field: Sports for Social Inclusion.”

Amaraizu, who described sports as one of the most vital human activities, characterised by its multifaceted nature, noted that sports have transformative power in driving positive change, breaking down barriers and transcending boundaries.

“As a competitive endeavour, sports cultivate a spirit of resilience —whether in victory or defeat — that mirrors essential qualities in business and life.

“Beyond competition, sports foster relationships among participants, both direct and indirect; sustaining hope for success in the present and future.

“Additionally, sports enhance cognitive, affective and psychomotor abilities; thus, contributing to holistic personal development,” he said.

Amaraizu, who is the Chairman of Enugu State Taekwondo Association, said that participation in sports improves overall social inclusion, opportunities and dignity of individuals and groups disadvantaged by their identity.

According to him, by bringing people together in play and games; sports dismantle barriers, forge connections, and unite individuals across ages, languages, religions, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“Sports promotes gender inclusivity, support both physically able and disabled individuals, and bridge divides between the wealthy and the less privileged, as well as political leaders and their constituents. Indeed, sports is practical unifying force.

“Participation in inclusive sports significantly contributes to mental wellness and physical fitness by fostering social connections that elevate mood, reduce stress, combat isolation and loneliness, and enhance social inclusion.

“Raising mental health awareness through sports can break down barriers, creating environments where diverse groups build trust, challenge cultural and social stigmas and strengthen community ties.

“Sports provide opportunities for interaction, teamwork, and the development of meaningful relationships, all of which bolster mental well-being, and individual fitness,” Amaraizu, who currently the Chairman of Rangers International FC Foundation, said.

The Enugu State government will host the indomitable Rangers International FC to a historic reception after defeating Gombe United 2-1 in the last encounter of the 2023/2024 NPFL season.

The team will be arriving in Coal City, the Enugu State capital today, (Monday) and will receive a rousing welcome amid pomp and pageantry, in celebration of their victory.

Rangers International was crowned champions of the Nigeria 2024 Professional Football League, NPFL, after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Gombe United on the final day of the season.

The Flying Antelopes wrapped up the title in style with a hard-fought away win against relegated Gombe United in Jos stadium on Sunday, with Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje the heroes of the day.

The victory comes after Rangers secured the title the previous matchday at their iconic Cathedral stadium in Enugu, meaning the final match day victory was merely the icing on the cake for the jubilant players and supporters.

Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, his Plateau state counterpart, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze; Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Enugu State, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu Jr. his Culture and Tourism counterpart, Dame Barrister Ugochi Madueke, as well as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State, Aka Eze Aka, were on ground to witness the encounter.

In a statement, the Enugu State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, on Monday, said presentation of the trophy shall be the highlight of the event slated for 4pm at Okpara Square, Enugu.

According to him, “Rangers International will be arriving Coal City, the Enugu State capital on Monday (today) after their outstanding performance at the 2023/2024 NPFL season, emerging champions.

Aka urged, “Enugu people are encouraged to come out enmasse to celebrate with the team on this momentous feat.”

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has assured Rangers International FC of maximum support and partnership.

The commissioner spoke when he received the General Manager of the club, Mr Amobi Ezeaku, alongside his management team in his office in Enugu on Wednesday.

“The command will strengthen the existing partnership, especially in the area of providing maximum security during club activities as well as live football matches in Enugu,” Uzuegbu said.

Earlier, Ezeaku commended the commissioner for his pragmatic efforts in combating crime in the state.

He also underscored the need to strengthen the partnership and relationship between the club and police command.

The commissioner was joined by senior management officers of the command to receive and interact with the visitors.