Lagos First Lady Commends Lagos Women Runners As Abiye Emerges Champion

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the women that participated in the 6th edition of the Lagos Women Run for promoting the culture of healthy living and showcasing Lagos as the real centre of excellence.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who gave the commendation during the presentation of awards to the winners of the Lagos Women Run at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, Lagos, said “Let me thank all the thousands of women who are virtually participating in this unique special edition, as well as the invited elite athletes participating in the REAL RUN from the iconic start point of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere to the finish line at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan on Lagos Island”.

The Lagos First Lady, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, stated that the Coronavirus pandemic has given rise to new ways of doing things, including sporting activities, to reduce the spread of the deadly disease.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the organisers of the largest fitness female event in Africa for their ingenuity in providing a rare opportunity for Nigerians, Lagosians in the diaspora and other nationalities to be a part of the 10 km Physical/Virtual Race.

Her words: “I have been reliably informed that the Lagos Women Run App was created, especially for this event, which is the first of its kind in Africa and Nigeria as a focal point. Also, it would be available to all registered runners for both Physical and Virtual run”.

“This would track each participant’s run. It is also a major plus in that runners can indulge in social banter with friends as they run together, track progress and enjoy songs and live commentary virtually. Lagos is the State of Excellence and we are living up to it by ensuring that all elite runners participating in the physical run observe all COVID-19 safety protocols”, she added.

The wife of the Governor averred that the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and active living is important to the Lagos State Government, especially for the present administration of Mr. Governor. It is, therefore, commendable that the philosophy behind the Lagos Women Run is about embracing a culture of general well-being that the government and indeed other stakeholders are proud to be associated with, while also working to push more awareness to the suburbs of the State.

The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku lauded the Governor’s commitment towards the race, saying Mr. Governor is a man of culture, lifestyle and health and stressing that this year’s edition is a shift in culture trend, as all runners that emerge winners in both Open and Veteran categories are all Nigerians.

Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Oluwatoyin Gafaar, in his remarks, commended the organisers for the good innovation, noting that the event is a positive way to keep the women busy.

“The Run is getting bigger and better every year. It is a good thing and a good innovation, particularly when it comes to our women. The policy of Lagos State is to ensure that our women are fit and ready always. It is also a means of livelihood for the younger ones who are involved in sports”, he said.

The General Coordinator, Tayo Popoola, applauded the efforts of the Lagos State Government for their immense contribution to the event over the years, adding that the commitment of the First Ladies at different times since the inception of the event has also been excellent.

She said: “The athletes, who are the jewels of the Run, have been relentless in the drive to climb to the pinnacle of their careers”.

Abiye Joy from Ondo State emerged the winner of the open category, breasting the tape with a time of 33 mins 41.4 secs, ahead of the first runner-up, Mary Osagie, who finished with a time of 34 mins 06.6 secs, before Awawu Haruna, who clinched the second runner-up with a time of 34 mins 33.6 secs. The winners went home with cash prizes of N1 million, N500,000 and N300,000 respectively, apart from other consolation prizes.

Similarly, the veteran category was won by Janet John from Plateau State, followed by Comfort Ekene, while Ladi Henry finished third. The veteran category winners got N300,000, N200,000 and N100, 000 respectively.