Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has announced that he will personally participate in the 10-kilometre Yenagoa City International Road Race scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The governor made this known while receiving the event organisers, led by Mrs. Yetunde Olopade of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
Describing Bayelsa as “the glory of all lands,” Diri commended the organisers for selecting the state to host the international event, noting that such initiatives would have long-term benefits, particularly for young people.
“I will come out to participate and lend my support to the organisers,” the governor said, while expressing optimism that the race would be a world-class sporting event.
The 10km race, set to begin at Opolo Roundabout and end at Peace Park in Yenagoa, is expected to attract over 2,000 athletes from Nigeria and across Africa.
At a world press conference held at the Golden Tulip Resort in Yenagoa, the governor—represented by Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali—reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Bayelsa as a hub for sports, youth development, and healthy living.
According to him, the event will not only bring together elite and amateur athletes but also stimulate the local economy and lay the groundwork for future international competitions, including the state’s planned hosting of the 2028 National Sports Festival.
“This race is historic. It is not just about competition, but about community, healthy living, and the future of sports in Bayelsa,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, highlighted the government’s sustained investment in sports as part of its broader youth development agenda. She assured residents and visitors of adequate security and encouraged widespread participation.
First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, praised the Bayelsa State Government for hosting what he described as a landmark international sporting event, urging Nigerians to embrace the Olympic movement.
A representative of World Athletics and President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Mr. Nadeem Khan, confirmed that the race would be listed on the global athletics calendar after its successful staging.
He disclosed that the winner of the race would receive a prize of $5,000, with $3,000 and $2,000 awarded to the second and third-place finishers respectively. Fourth and fifth-place winners will receive $1,000 and $500.
Mrs. Olopade, the race organiser, said the event has been carefully structured into three categories to ensure fairness and competitiveness, with technical and medical teams deployed along the route to guarantee participants’ safety.
She expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and sponsors for their support, noting that the race would help place Bayelsa on the global sporting map.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of official race kits to Governor Diri at his Sampou residence.
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