● Ferdinand Agu 

 L-R: Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, during the showcase of the English Premier League trophy to Governor Mbah by Guiness Nigeria at Government House, Enugu, Friday

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed his eagerness to partner with Guinness Nigeria PLC to accelerate his administration’s sports development effort, describing the state as the home of sporting legends, who have ruled the world of sports as well as home of abundant talents for the future.

Mbah spoke when a team of Guinness Nigeria’s management showcased the English Premier League, EPL, trophy, to him at Government House, Enugu, on Friday.

It is recalled that Guinness Nigeria and the Premier League partnered to bring the iconic silverware for display in Enugu on Friday, May 16 and in Lagos on Saturday May 17 and Sunday, 18 to give EPL’s teeming fans in Nigeria the rare opportunity to experience the trophy.

Speaking during the presentation of the trophy at the Lion Building, Enugu State Government House, Mbah noted that beside putting in place legislative frameworks for sports development, his administration was also embarking on a massive reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village preparatory to hosting the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival.

“Like Guinness, we regard sports as a positive force in Enugu. We are not surprised that the Guinness flagship event is being held here in Enugu. Just like Guinness, we also see sports as a platform to foster social cohesion. We are not just paying lip service to sports; we actually have our skin in the game.

“We believe that the EPL is quite a spectacle with audiences across the world and you couldn’t have chosen a better city for the flagship event than Enugu.

“Again, since here is the home of Rangers and since we have also recognised that this is where it all happens, let us begin to think about more collaboration with Guinness to see how we can secure endorsement with the Guinness corporate brand. This should be on the table because Rangers also won the 2023/2024 Nigerian Premier League title.

“We are just about giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village a new lease of life, making sure they meet FIFA and World Athletics standards ahead of the National Sports Festival. So, we look forward to more strategic collaboration with Guinness. We are quite a business-friendly state,” he stated.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola, described Enugu State as the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria, noting the exploits of Rangers.

He said it was only natural to choose Enugu for the display of the EPL silverware, given its history and the great job Governor Mbah had done in repositioning the state.

“Some may wonder why Enugu. There is a reason for us to choose Enugu as the first place in Nigeria since this trophy arrived yesterday. It is because we know that Enugu State is the spiritual home of football in Nigeria. As a young football lover, I can’t forget all of the stories around Enugu Rangers football team.

“I want to also appreciate you for the work you are doing. The last time I was in Enugu was in 2022 and I have seen remarkable improvements in Enugu State since my last visit.

“This presentation of the EPL trophy is an opportunity for us to reinforce Guinness Nigeria being a business that has been intricate in the fabric of Nigeria for 75 years. We also want to use this opportunity to create magical moments for our consumers and members of the public through the collaboration between Guinness globally and the English Premier League,” he added.

The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, among others. GMTNewsng

● Chijioke Ogbodo 

As the countdown to the Gateway Games Ogun 2025 intensifies, Enugu State has emerged as a state to watch at the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, slated for May 16 – 30 in Ogun State. With a strong 112-member contingent – 88 athletes and 24 officials – Team Enugu is poised to challenge for medals in 13 competitive events.

The drive toward medal success is backed by high-level leadership. In a widely lauded show of commitment, Governor Peter Mbah ran the 10km race during the maiden Enugu City International Half Marathon, completing it in 45 minutes. The event attracted professional athletes from East Africa, with Kenyan runners dominating top finishes, and was a strong pointer to Enugu’s ambition to be a hub for sports, tourism, and wellness.

Governor Mbah’s participation was more than symbolic – it underscored the administration’s focus on youth sports development in Nigeria, particularly in Enugu. The state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the guidance of Commissioner Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, has since ramped up technical and logistical preparations ahead of the festival.

“We are focused on results,” Commissioner Ekweremadu said. “It’s not just about showing up. We want to bring home medals. Our athletes will commence residential camp training on May 10, and we’re confident in their potential.”

Lloyd Ekweremadu Esq. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Enugu State 

Team Enugu athletes will participate in athletics, para-athletics, wrestling, boxing, badminton, para-powerlifting, basketball, judo, handball, tennis, football, and swimming. The choice of events is strategic, aligning with areas where the state has developed strong youth programs and competitive track records.

Notably, Governor Mbah had, as far back as December 2024, approved and released all the logistics required to support a seamless participation at the Games. The early release of funds allowed the sports ministry to procure kits, finalize travel plans, and structure pre-festival training.

According to Boniface Onovo, Enugu State’s Director of Sports, “The Governor’s personal interest and the Commissioner’s proactive leadership have created a very positive atmosphere for the athletes. Morale is high, and expectations are realistic but ambitious.”

To spur the team toward podium finishes, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, has announced a reward of ₦100,000 for every athlete who clinches a gold medal for the state. Beyond that, medal-winning athletes and their coaches have been assured of special recognition and significant rewards directly from Governor Mbah, whose personal interest in sports development continues to inspire the contingent.

Sports watchers are already tipping Enugu as a potential top performer, citing not just the energy from the marathon but also the improved coordination between coaches, athletes, and government agencies. This year’s campaign, observers say, could mark the beginning of a golden era for Enugu’s sports sector.

In addition to competition, Enugu will use the Ogun Games to highlight its cultural strengths ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival, which the state will host. During the closing ceremony in Abeokuta, Enugu will present a teaser performance from its famous Atilogwu dance troupe – a taste of the rich Igbo heritage expected to color the 2026 Games.

Governor Peter Mbah (middle); Uche Ugwu, Speaker ESHA (left) and others during the Enugu International Marathon 

Another significant moment for the state will be the official reception of the hosting torch, symbolizing Enugu’s transition from competitor to host. The torch will be presented during a special segment of the Ogun Games, setting the tone for the 23rd edition in Enugu.

Meanwhile, at the national level, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated 19 sub-committees to ensure smooth operations and high-level competition across all venues in Ogun. Media, medical, logistics, accommodation, and technical oversight are among the key areas of focus.

Whether on the tracks, in the pool, or on the mats, Team Enugu is not just going to Ogun to participate -they are going to contend. And with a firm hand on the baton of leadership and logistics, Governor Mbah and his team are making sure Enugu doesn’t just compete but defines the tone of Nigeria’s sports future. GMTNewsng

● Stephanie Daberechukwu 

Governor Peter Mbah participated in the 1st Enugu City International Marathon, completing the 10km road race in 45 minutes, while East African athletes cleared the first, second, and third positions in the elite 42km full marathon.

The event, which was supervised by the World Athletics represented by Nadeem Khan, who is also the President of International Ultra Runners; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria led by its President, Chief Tony Okowa and the 1st Vice President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, drew participants from Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Nigerians, who trooped out in their numbers to compete for the prizes.

In the female elite category, Shaoline Chepriroi of Kenya finished in 2:44:37 (Two hours, forty-four minutes, thirty-seven seconds) to clinch the premium prize of $15,000, Tilahu Birul of Ethiopia finished in 2:45:10 (Two hours, forty-five minutes, 10 seconds) to place second and walk away with $10,000 prize money, while Rita Busiengy of finished in 2:47:17 (Two hours, 48 minutes, seventeen seconds) to finish third, earning her $5,000.

Nigeria’s Blessing Shambo completed the 42 kilometres in 2:48:04 (Two hours, forty-eight minutes, four seconds) to finish fourth and place first among Nigerian female elite runners and went home with N1 million, while Charity Agofure and Elizabeth Pam finished in 2:55:03 (Two hours, fifty-five minutes, three seconds) and 3:01:45 (Three hours, one minute, forty-five seconds) to clinch the second and third prices, respectively, in the Nigerian elite runners category. Agofure and Pam got N750,000 and N500,000, accordingly, for their efforts.

 Lydia Akusho (first position, female category (middle); Governor Peter Mbah (in yellow T-shirt) and others. 

In the men’s category, Ken Kopos of Kenya, ran the 42km in 2:22:32 (Two hours, twenty-two minutes, thirty-two seconds) to claim the star prize of $15,000, while his compatriots, Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang placed second and third, respectively, to earn themselves $10,000 and $5,000, accordingly.

Davou Gyang finished in 2:29:03 (Two hours, twenty-nine minutes, three seconds) to emerge Nigeria’s best in the elite category, beating compatriot Boyi Nyango with just three seconds, while Iliya Pam placed third. They got cash prizes of N1 million, N750,000, and N500,000, respectively.

Lydia Akusho, Esther Afigbo, and Mwantiti Davou came first, second, and third, respectively in the women’s category of the 10km Road Race, while Francis James, Iliya Raymond, and Boyi Gang placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the male category.

While congratulating the winners and participants, Mbah assured of continued improvement of the sporting event, noting that Enugu City International Marathon was in line with his administration’s vision to position Enugu State as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.

“What we have just witnessed is a spectacular event. It is a testament to the power of sports. Remember that I told you all that participated in our last year’s Enugu City Half Marathon that we are going to make the Enugu City International Marathon, an international event. Have we not done that?

“The International Marathon attracted elite runners across Africa. We have long distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. Next year, we are going to attract elite runners from across the world, not just Africa. Our objective is to make the Enugu City International Marathon a major highlight in the calendar of the World Athletic. The world will be watching.

“Meanwhile, what you are witnessing is not a happenstance. It is connecting the dots. When we said that we were going to attract three million visitors every year and make Enugu state the premier destination for tourism, these are all part of the dots. Sports, for us, is beyond recreation. It is a serious business.

“We are going to make sure that through our sporting event, we are going to nurture talents, dreams will be born, goals will be achieved, and talents will blossom. We will be able to attract a lot of businesses. That means our business will thrive. People will come to Enugu and they will spend their money,” Mbah stated

He commended and thanked the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu and his team as well as the consultants led by Yetunde Olopade, who is the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, as well as the security agencies, among others for putting up a great show.

Meanwhile, the flag-off was also witnessed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and former governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, while the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, federal and state lawmakers, as well as commissioners and other officials of the state government came out in their numbers to participate. GMTNewsng