Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze, Ebonyi
Winners of the 2024 Ebonyi International Half Marathon have been awarded ₦1million each as prize money.
Agwu Paul from Afikpo emerged as the male champion in the local category, while Anyigor Modesta from Ezza North claimed victory in the female category.
In the national category, Ismael Saidajo from Cross River emerged as the male winner, while Blessing Shambor from Plateau State topped the female division.
The male winner in the national category finished in 1 hour and 9 minutes, while the female winner completed the race in 1 hour and 26 minutes.
In the local category, Owo Francis from Ezza North secured second place in the male division, and Omaka Nkem from Ohaukwu LGA finished second in the female division.
For the national category, Musa James from Plateau claimed second place in the male division, while Agufere Charity took second in the female division.
For third place in the local category, Okoro Emmanuel from Ohaozara finished in the male division, while Faith Nwankwo from Ohaukwu LGA placed third in the female division. At the national level, Adamu Muazu from Plateau secured third place in the male division, with Dala Patience, also from Plateau, placing third in the female division.
The first-place winners, both male and female, were awarded ₦1 million each, while the second-place winners received ₦800,000, and third-place finishers were awarded ₦500,000. Athletes who placed fourth to tenth in the local category also received prize money, while athletes in the national category from fourth to seventh place were similarly rewarded.
Presenting the prize money to the winners, Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, congratulated the winners and expressed appreciation for their outstanding display of sportsmanship. He thanked the participants, officials, and sponsors for making the event a success, while commending the athletes for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
“We are proud to host this international event, which has brought together athletes from across the country. We will continue to support, develop, and empower our youth to excel in their chosen careers. Sincerely, we appreciate the participants, officials, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of this event. Your presence has made this occasion memorable,” he said.
Blessing Shambor, Ishmael Saidajo, Adamu Muazu, and other winners commended the government for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event.
Speaking also to the press, the national distance coach, Steven Nuhu praised the hospitality of the people but pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in addressing security lapses along the route.
He acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to sports development and expressed optimism that future events would improve.
Earlier, the commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ebonyi, Hon. Richard Idike, hailed the event as the first of its kind in the Southeast, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to its success.
