From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The organisers of the 5th National Anti-Corruption Half Marathon Race have rescheduled the 21km race from December 7 to December 21, citing unforeseen circumstances.
The National Coordinator of the marathon, Jacob Onu, explained that the change in date was due to logistical reasons, noting: “On behalf of our host city, Abuja, our sponsors, and other partners, we sincerely apologise for having to shift the date.
“We are aware that it will cause some inconvenience, but our aim is to organise a top-notch marathon that everyone will be proud of. We cannot afford to do things in half measures. For every inconvenience, kindly bear with us,” Onu stated in a press release to journalists in Abuja.
Interestingly, over 3,000 athletes have expressed interest in participating in this year’s marathon, with ₦1 million as the star prize for both the male and female categories. The runners-up will receive ₦700,000 and ₦500,000, respectively.
The Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), and other anti-corruption agencies have pledged their support for the fifth edition of the National Anti-Corruption Half Marathon. The event aims to raise national awareness about the scourge and dangers of corruption to the country and humanity in general.
The race will be preceded on Friday, December 20, by a National Youth and Students Summit, which will take place at Nile University in Abuja.
The 21km race will be flagged off by top government officials at the Eagles Square at 7 am, with members of the National Assembly Anti-Corruption Committee, business leaders, and other eminent Nigerians expected to participate in the event aimed at ridding Nigeria of corruption.