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DALUNG APPLAUDS GOV AMBODE FOR SUSTAINING LAGOS CITY MARATHON
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has
congratulated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a fourth consecutive successful
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
He made the remark on Saturday in an interview with
journalists at Eko Atlantic where the race took place.
Dalung said that Gov Ambode has set a precedence in sports
development by adding not only to the economic value of the state and country but
also empowering a large number of Nigerian youths through sports.
“Governor Ambode has set up a very viable sports event
that has strengthened the tourism potentials of Lagos state. Over 100,000
athletes from 58 countries participated in this edition of the Marathon which
means that the world is beginning to accept the Lagos City Marathon.
“Personally, I am overwhelmed that it happened during my
tenure as a minister and I pray for the sustainability of this marathon. If you
assess the Lagos City Marathon, they have done well because you have to look at
the history of where they’re coming from.
“From a background of an abandoned situation, Nigerian
athletes are now coming up. Those who made it last year also took the first
position at the Ibadan City Marathon, meaning that they are progressing. I want
to challenge states like Taraba and Plateau where potentials of Marathon
reside. They should go back to the drawing board and save Marathon race in
Nigeria by investing in it. As a Ministry we are also going to direct our
policies towards deliberate support and encouragement of Marathon races in
Nigeria .
Earlier, the Executive Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi
Ambode thanked Lagosians especially the runners who trooped out to participate
in this year’s edition.
He assured that the Lagos City Marathon will be sustained in
the next administration.
“The future of Lagos state belongs to the young people.
I say a big thank you to all Lagosians for tolerating us in the last four
years. This is the fourth time we are doing this Access Bank Lagos City
Marathon and it’s been improving year in, year out.
This year we had 58 participating countries, and over 100,000
runners.
“I believe strongly that what we have started will be
continued by the APC candidate Jide Sanwo-Olu when he comes in and I believe
strongly also that this will take the GDP of Lagos to greater heights”
Ethiopia’s Suntayahu Legese and Dinke Meseret came tops in
the men and women’s category while Ilya Pam of Plateau state was the first
Nigerian runner at the finishing point.