Lagos: The National Sports Commission (NSC), in partnership with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is set to host the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos. This landmark event aims to unlock Nigeria’s sports potential, boost grassroots participation, and promote health, fitness, and excellence in athletics. It also seeks to attract private sector investment while positioning Nigeria as a rising force in the global sports arena.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in his opening remarks, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko welcomed guests to the conference, held at the Media Centre of the Abiola National Stadium on Tuesday in Abuja. Dikko stated that hosting international sporting events like this aligns with the commission’s vision to make sports a key driver of the economy. He emphasized the importance of road running, citing Nigeria’s natural talent in the area and highlighted the need for private sector support to sponsor road races and other sports.
The Director General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, expressed his delight in welcoming everyone, particularly highlighting the collaboration between the NSC, World Athletics, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. He noted that his role was simple: to welcome everyone to an event that promises to be a significant contribution to the sports economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Hosting this event is a testament to the President’s sports economy agenda bearing fruit. By leveraging sports as an economic tool, Nigeria is shifting from consumption to production.
Tonobok Okowa, AFN President, expressed excitement about the conference, emphasizing Lagos as a hub for sports activities. Solomon Ogba, LOC Chairman of AFN, noted that the event is a prelude to the Lagos City Marathon and highlighted the importance of road running, where Nigeria has a comparative advantage. He added that promoting running will contribute to a healthier nation, ultimately leading to a more prosperous society.
Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics, expressed his delight in hosting the Africa Running Conference in Lagos, Nigeria. He highlighted the growth of road running globally, citing a third running boom driven by increased interest in health and wellness. This conference aims to provide a platform for networking, education, and technical workshops, focusing on standardizing road races and promoting development across Africa. He praised the synergy between stakeholders, including the NSC, African Athletics Confederation, and the private sector, and expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the conference. Corsi thanked the Nigerian government and sports leaders for their trust and support.