Abakaliki, Nigeria – The winner of the Ebonyi National Half Marathon (Indigene Female Category), Modesta Anyigor, has been appointed as the Supervisory Councillor for Sports in Ezza North Local Government Area (LGA).
Chief Ogodo-Ali Nome, the Chairman of the council, made the pronouncement during the prize-winning ceremony of the 21.9-kilometre half marathon, held in Abakaliki on Saturday.
An elated Nome said Anyigor who returned in a time of 1 hour: 50mins: 28. 98 seconds and won the N1 million prize money, had done the council proud.
Nome also announced a reward of N1 million for Francis Owoh, another indigene of the council who emerged runner-up in 2hrs: 15mins: 44.43 secs, in the indegene male category.
“This is to complement the N800,000 he won for the second position as both of them have placed the council on the national sporting map.”
Henry Amike, the Technical Director of the Marathon, announced that Paul Agu from Afikpo North LGA, won the indigene male category in while Emmanuel Okorie from Ohaozara LGA came third.
“Nkem Omaka from Ohaukwu LGA came second in the indigene female category in while Faith Nwankwo, also from Ohaukwu LGA, came third.
Amike, a Former Olympian in the 400 metres hurdle, announced that Ismaila Sadjo from Cross River won the National male category in 1: 26: 50.15 while Francis Musa from Plateau came second in 2: 00: 31.59.
“Adamu Muazu also from Plateau came third in 2: 00: 58.51.
“Blessing Shambur from Plateau won the National Female Category in 1: 26: 51.58 while Charity Agofure from Delta cane second.
” Patience Daylop also from Plateau came third in 1: 30: 20.13.”
Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi congratulated the athletes for their doggedness and commended the organisers for making the event a huge success.
Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, thanked God that there was no casualty or injuries in the event, noting that it reflected God’s love upon the state.
“The government will build upon the success of this maiden edition of the event and I urge the state sporting authorities to nurture these athletes to stardom.”
Senator Obinna Ogba, the Marathon’s Ambassador, noted that Ebonyi state was lucky to have a sports loving governor who is determined to revamp the sector in its entirety.
Ogba, who formerly represented Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, said the event showcased the state’s huge sporting potentials and urged investors to avail themselves of inherent opportunities.
Richard Idike, the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, said the event was a fulfilment of concise planning and commitment by the government and its co-organisers, the Fair Play Sports Agency.
“The event was spiced by the Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Chinedu Ogah, who participated from start to finish.”
Third place winners in each category won N500,000 while the 4th to 10th placed participants also got various cash rewards.
