The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), 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, said Olapade made the remarks at the flag off of the race on Saturday in Abeokuta.
Olapade emphasised that such initiatives pave the way for talents to excel, citing icons such as, Mary Onyali, and Falilat Ogunkoya, as prime examples of how the nation can tap into potentials.
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He 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 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,” he said.
The five-kilometer road race, designed for women aged 25 to 60 years, reflects a commitment to fostering female participation in sports.
Aderonke Alabi won the race with a cash prize of N500,000, while Affigbo Esther finished second with a cash prize of N300,000.
Third placed Olude Kehinde got a cash prize of N200,000.
Olopade in his magnanimity splashed cash prizes on some of the outstanding athletes, while former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Ogba donated N1 million to the outstanding athletes. NAN