The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Opobo Marathon

  • Azubuike, Bulus rule  Opobo Marathon

    Azubuike, Bulus rule  Opobo Marathon

    The 6th  edition of Opobo marathon held in Rivers State lived up to the billings with athletes coming from all over the country to fight for honours in what has now remained a constant feature in sporting circles.

    And with the prize money even higher than the 5th  edition, it became obvious that the fight for the top positions would be competitive and down to the wire.

    In the end, it was Chimaobi Augustine Azubuike from Imo State that took first position in the male category and smiled home with N500,000 , while Yusuf Babije from Plateau State came second and Eric Constance finishing third to win N200,000 and N100,000 respectively.

    In the female category, Blessing Bulus from Plateau State dusted all comers to cart home the N500,000 prize money for first position, while Charity Agofure from Delta State came second to win N200,000 and Saibu Yetunde from Ogun State rounded up the top three win N100,000.

    In the two special positions, Jaja Tamuno won the first position for indigenous category, while a 15 year-old Queen Nwidah was the youngest runner to finish the marathon, pocketing N50,000 in the process.

    Both Azubuike and Bulus both praised the organizers for an excellent marathon, pointing out that they didn’t expect such level of seriousness and competition from other athletes.

    Azubuike said he was surprised winning the marathon, especially as he felt that there would be more experienced runners and would not have come but for what he had read about Opobo growing up, so he decided to come and see the town.

    Meanwhile, Bulus expressed delight with her performance, saying she had worked very hard coming into the marathon and was happy that her preparations paid off in the end.

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    Also speaking, the Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who also took part in the leisure category, from start to finish, was full of praises for the level of competition and the number of athletes who came from various states.

    He stressed that the marathon had further deepened the time-honoured hospitality of the people and its rich culture to the outside world, pointing that he would always support whatever would bring people together in conviviality.

    Team Lead for the Opobo marathon, Iyowuna Cookey expressed gratitude to the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V; sponsors, especially, Platform Petroleum Limited, Niger Delta Development Commission, D’Consiglories Nig Limited and Opu ALABO Foundation, athletes and dignitaries for their support and level of participation to ensure its success.

    The marathon had in attendance, the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government area, Enyiada Cookey-Gam; Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Fmr Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives; Mr. Adokiye Tombomieye, former NNPC Executive Vice President Upstream Sector; Senibo Sody Peterside; Mr. Blessing Fubara, CEO D’Consiglories Nig. Limited, Alabo Chris Finebone, former Commissioner for Information; Rivers State, Hon. Emma Okah, former Commissioner for Information, Rivers State; Prof Iyalla Peterside; Nigerian retired super eagles goalkeeper, Bishop Idah Peterside.

  • Opobo Marathon winners to pocket $1,000

    Opobo Marathon winners to pocket $1,000

    The winners of the 6th edition of Opobo Marathon scheduled for January 4th , 2024 are to pocket the prize money of $1,000 guaranteed by D’Consiglories Nigeria Limited & the Hope Initiative.

    Henry Iyowuna Cookey, the Project Lead of Opobo Marathon with the theme Miles Of Hope, revealed at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, adding there would be consolation prizes for the first ten runners-up and an indigenous category for the top three Opobo indigenes.

    While disclosing that the previous editions of the marathon have had a cumulative total of more than 8,000 participants that included elite and fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, gym instructors and enthusiastic spectators from all works of life, he stated that no fewer than 1,500 were expected to register for next year’s edition.

    According to him, “Opobo Marathon has always been more than a race, it’s an embodiment of our aspirations, dreams, and the unity that binds us together. Miles of Hope serves as a reminder that no matter how tough the journey, the destination is worth every ounce of effort. It signifies our commitment to pushing boundaries, overcoming obstacles, and striving for a brighter tomorrow.

    “With a meticulously designed course that winds through the heart of Opobo, participants will experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality that Opobo Kingdom is well-known for. From seasoned runners to enthusiastic leisure runners, everyone is invited to take part in this inspiring event. After all, we are all winners at the end of the race.”

    Cookey called on those willing to participate to note that the marathon, with free entrance, begins with registration between November 19 and January 1, 2024.

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    “In the coming weeks, we shall reveal more about the event’s highlights, and the various initiatives that will make the 6th Opobo Marathon a memorable and impactful experience for everyone,” he stressed.

    The Project Lead praised the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, HM, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja; Sody Peterside, MD of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; Dr Dakuku Peterside, Hon Dax George Kelly, Mrs. Sotonye Toby Fulton, Sobere Diri, Alahaji Danu Nasiru, Mr. Blessing Fubara, amongst several other sponsors and patrons for their support towards the marathon.

    Also speaking, the chairman of Opobo/Nkoro local government area, Enyiada Cookey-Gam who was represented by the Supervisor for Youths and Sports, Hon Solomon Jaja, while announcing the sum of N1m for various categories, commended the organisers of the marathon and assured that the local government was supporting fully to enable participants have a glorious event.