By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Dec. 7, 2024 (NAN) The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olapade, has commended the Ogun Women Run, describing it as a vital platform for the empowerment and celebration of women in sports.
A statement from Kola Daniel, the Special Assistant, Media to the DG and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said Olapade made the remarks during the flag off of the race on Saturday in Abeokuta.
Daniel said Hon. Olopade emphasised that initiatives like these pave the way for talents to excel, citing icons, Mary Onyali, and Falilat Ogunkoya, as prime examples of how the nation can tap into potentials.
He said Hon. Olapade called on Ogun and other States to continue beaming lights on talents who can shine on national and global stages, reiterating the NSC’s resolve to provide an enabling environment for women’s sports to thrive.
He noted that the DG also praised the organisers of the race , Brussel Sports Management Limited for their consistency over the years in putting such a race together for women empowerment in Sports.
“This race is a testament to the power of sports in uniting and empowering women. With platforms like this, we are certain more athletes will rise to carry Nigeria’s flag high in global competitions.
“The Ogun Women Run is more than just a race—it is a movement. It signifies a commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind in the journey to achieving greatness in sports.
“The NSC will continue to work closely with initiatives like this to unlock the full potential of our female athletes,” Olapade said.
The S.A Media said that the 5-kilometer road race, designed for women aged 25 to 60 years, reflects a commitment to fostering female participation in sports.
He noted that beginning at Sapon and finishing at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta, the event highlighted Nigeria’s large talent pool of budding champions and the promises of the future.
“Aderonke Alabi won the race with a cash prize of five hundred thousand naira while Affigbo Esther finished second with a cash prize of Three Hundred Thousand naira.
“Third placed Olude Kehinde got a cash prize of Two hundred thousand naira.
“The Director General of the NSC Honourable Bukola Olopade, in his magnanimity splashed Dollars on some of the outstanding athletes while the Former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba also donated One Million Naira to the outstanding athletes,” Daniel said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
