Kogi Half Marathon Promotes Unity, Sports – Ododo

Emmanuel lkpeama

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo says the inaugural Kogi Half-Marathon 2026 promotes unity and sports excellence.

Over 200 athletes from 10 states participated in the event held on Thursday 22, January 2026 in Lokoja.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy hailed athletes who participated in the inaugural Kogi Half Marathon 2026, said the event celebrates endurance and unity and sports excellence.

Governor Ododo congratulated the athletes who emerged in the first, second, and third positions, praising their hard work, and discipline.

He also encouraged participants who didn’t finish in prize positions, assuring them that their effort and courage were worthy of recognition and that future editions of the marathon would provide more opportunities for success.

He opined that the marathon was part of activities marking the second anniversary of his administration and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investing in youths, sports development, and human capital as key pillars of progress in Kogi State.

Ododo specially commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, for initiating the marathon, describing it as a clear example of purposeful leadership and teamwork.

He noted that beyond sports, the marathon has promoted unity among states, boosted peaceful coexistence, encouraged tourism, and stimulated economic activities within the state capital, saying that the Half Marathon has come to stay and will continue to grow bigger and better each year.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, described the marathon as a symbol of Governor Ododo’s visionary leadership and commitment to empowering the youth through sports.

He said the event reflects the administration’s belief that sports is a tool for economic empowerment, talent discovery and healthy living,noting that ongoing investments in sports infrastructure and athlete support are already yielding positive results.

While thanking the athletes and officials for making the race a success.

Investigator news reports that at the end of the marathon race,Mohammed Okehi emerged first, followed by Oluwa Damilola Eniola in second place and Omole in third position in the male indigene category.

In the female indigene category,Elias Jacinta finished first, Onimisi Sufiat came second, while Ige Blessing placed third.

Also ,in the male non-indigene category, Iliya Raymond from Plateau State emerged winner, with Gilbert Kiprotich Korir from Kenya finishing second and Guang James from Plateau State placing third.

While in the female non-indigene category, Akusho Lydia from Plateau State clinched first position, Vivian Obadiah, also from Plateau State, finished second, while Agofure Charity from Delta State came third.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes by the deputy governor to winners across the various categories