Francis Ajuonuma
The management of Access Bank has reassured of its’ continuous sponsorship of the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as it offers Nigerian athletes the opportunity to excel.
Group Head, Corporate Communications and External Affairs, Access Bank PLC, Amaechi Okobi gave the assurance, while speaking on Friday at a world press conference activities lined up for the seventh edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon set to hold on Saturday, 12th of February.
According to Okobi the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has also provided a platform to expose the rich culture, history, and enterprising spirit of Nigeria to the world.
“We had a desire to create a platform that will improve local sports, especially athletics, to promote a healthy lifestyle among Nigerians, and ultimately, the entire continent. In addition, we wanted the communities around the world to understand our culture, history, and the enterprising spirit that drives the city of Lagos.
“With more than 120,000 participants and millions of observers spread across the world, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon embodies the values of Access Bank and Lagos State. Values built around resilience, continuity, and pushing the boundaries of the perceived impossible”, he said.
“For seven editions, the race hasn’t stopped, and won’t stop! Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, we have evolved, demonstrated resilience, and shown our capacity to stage a competition that measures up to global standards.
You can rest assured, this year’s race will be even better and more competitive than previous editions. Of course, we expect the marathon’s records across the male and female races to be challenged and even broken.
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has provided a platform for thousands of young athletes who are eager to dominate the world using their incredible talent and we are proud of our local and international participating athletes who have gone on to excel beyond the shores of the continent,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Tonobok Okowa lauded the giant strides the marathon has made since its inception seven years ago.
“I want to give kudos to Access Bank and the other sponsors for the good work they are doing to sustain the marathon. After just two editions, the marathon was given a bronze label so we should appreciate them for this. Tomorrow we are going to witness another good performance from the athletes and I’m sure we are going to be very proud of them,” he stated
On his part, the LSSC Chairman reiterated the support of the Lagos State Government: “It’s a privilege for me to have been a part of the Access Bank Marathon from the planning stage, down to implementation, and here we are at the seventh edition.
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I want to say well done to Nilayo and thank you to our sponsors. Your patience and incremental investment have not gone unnoticed. The strides being made by the marathon is a total buy-in for Lagos State, and we will do everything to ensure it continues”, he said.
The traditional take-off point for the Silver-label race remains the iconic National Stadium, Surulere as with past editions of the race.
Other dignitaries present at the event include DG of LSSC Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan; First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Solomon Ogba; Chief Consultant Access Bank Marathon Bukola Olopade and General Manager Access Bank Marathon Yusuf Alli.
