Ododo hails Kogi half marathon athletes

… says event boosts youth, unity

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, has praised the athletes who participated in the just-concluded first Kogi Half-Marathon 2026, describing the sporting competition as a major milestone in his administration’s drive to promote youth development, unity, and sports excellence.

Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony of the marathon at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja on Thursday, the governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said the event was more than a sporting competition, describing it as a celebration of endurance, unity, and the strength of the human spirit.

He commended the over two hundred athletes drawn from more than ten states who participated in the race, noting that their presence has firmly placed Kogi State on the national sporting map.

The Governor congratulated the athletes who emerged in the first, second, and third positions, praising their hard work and discipline.

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He also encouraged participants who did not finish in prize positions, assuring them that their effort and courage were worthy of recognition and that future editions of the marathon would provide more opportunities for success.

Governor Ododo explained that the marathon was part of activities marking the second anniversary of his administration and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investing in youths, sports development, and human capital as key pillars of progress in Kogi State.

He specially commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, for initiating the marathon, describing it as a clear example of purposeful leadership and teamwork.

According to him, beyond sports, the marathon has promoted unity among states, boosted peaceful coexistence, encouraged tourism, and stimulated economic activities within the state capital, saying that the Half Marathon has come to stay and will continue to grow bigger and better each year.

Ealier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, described the marathon as a symbol of Governor Ododo’s visionary leadership and commitment to empowering the youth through sports.

He said the event reflects the administration’s belief that sports is a tool for economic empowerment, talent discovery and healthy living, noting that ongoing investments in sports infrastructure and athlete support are already yielding positive results. While thanking the athletes and officials for making the race a success.

High point of the event was the presentation of prizes by the Deputy Governor to winners across the various categories.

In the male indigene category, Mohammed Okehi emerged first, followed by Oluwa Damilola Eniola in second place and Omole in third position. In the female indigene category, Elias Jacinta finished first, Onimisi Sufiat came second, while Ige Blessing placed third.

In the male non-indigene category, Iliya Raymond from Plateau State emerged winner, with Gilbert Kiprotich Korir from Kenya finishing second and Guang James from Plateau State placing third.

In the female non-indigene category, Akusho Lydia from Plateau State clinched first position, Vivian Obadiah, also from Plateau State, finished second, while Agofure Charity from Delta State came third.