The President Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa says there is the need to invest in Nigerian athletes especially the long distance runners to enable them to compete with their counterparts across the world.
Chief Okowa stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria during the ten kilometer Abeokuta race.
He noted that the AFN would continue to encourage other states of the federation to organise competitions that would assist in the discovery of young athletes and prepare for them for future events.
Also, the Chairman, House of Representatives committee of Sports, Mr Olumide Osoba who described marathon races as important gave the assurance that the committee would do more to ensure sports development through relevant policies.
The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who flagged off the race said the impact of the race to the socio economic development of state was huge especially in the area of tourism.
Oba Gbadebo implored other sons and daughters of Egba land to take a cue from the former commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Bukola Olopade to contribute their quota to the growth of Egba land.
The Commissioner for Youth and sports, Mr Oluwadare Kehinde who also appreciated the organiser of the race said the present administration had mapped out programmes would assist in the development of youths in the state.
The initiator of the race who is also the former commissioner for Youth and sports in Ogun state, Mr Bukola Olopade gave the assurance that the sports management would fashion out a way to arrange another race that would accommodate both the local and international athletes.
Sadjo Ishmael from Cross River state won the race in the male category with the time of 33 minutes and zero point three seconds while Rose Akusho came first in the female category with the of 36 minutes 33 seconds.
The duo of Stephen Parop and Emmanuel Gyang emerged first and second runner up respectively while Vera Yohana and Patience Dalyop emerged first and second runners up in female category.
The winner in both male and female category went home with two thousand dollars prize money while the first and second runners up got 1500 and 1000 dollars each
Olusegun Folarin
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