… Flags Off Maiden Kogi Half Marathon 2026
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described the maiden edition of the Kogi Half Marathon as a strategic platform for youth engagement, unity, and peacebuilding.
He disclosed this during the Flag off ceremony of the maiden edition of the Kogi Half Marathon in Lokoja, the state capital.
The historic sporting event attracted athletes from more than ten states across the country, with participants competing for various cash prizes.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ododo said the marathon was conceived to showcase Kogi State as a peaceful and united destination while promoting physical fitness and discouraging youth involvement in criminal activities.
According to the governor, Kogi State’s unique geographical position as the gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria places a responsibility on the state to champion unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Kogi State is the only place where the Rivers Niger and Benue meet and flow as one without crisis. That alone teaches us unity. This marathon is one of the strategies we are using to engage our youth positively and keep them away from criminal activities,” Ododo said.
He emphasized that sports remains a vital tool for youth development, social integration, and crime prevention, adding that the Kogi Half Marathon would be sustained and expanded in subsequent years.
Governor Ododo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as inclusive leadership, particularly for creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
“As we declare this marathon open, we are doing so for the fitness of our youth, the peace of our land, and the unity of our people,” he added.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, praised Governor Ododo for providing an enabling environment for sports and youth development in Kogi State.
He noted that the marathon reflects the administration’s commitment to leveraging sports for empowerment, healthy living, and social cohesion.
High point of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners across various categories by the Deputy Governor of KOGI State, Comrade Joel Salifu
Meanwhile, the male indigene category of the Marathon has Mohammed Okehi as winner, followed by Oluwa Damilola Eniola in second place and Omole in third.
The female indigene category saw Elias Jacinta clinch first place, with Onimisi Sufiat and Ige Blessing finishing second and third respectively.
In the male non-indigene category, Iliya Raymond of Plateau State emerged winner, while Gilbert Kiprotich Korir of Kenya placed second and Guang James, also from Plateau State, finished third.
The female non-indigene category was won by Akusho Lydia of Plateau State, followed by Vivian Obadiah, also of Plateau State, in second place, and Agofure Charity of Delta State in third position.
