By Philomina Attah
Apo Progressive Foundation (APF), a non-governmental organisation has concluded arrangements to host the second edition of its 21-kilometer “Peace and Unity” Marathon Race on June 12.
Mr Faleye Adebowale, Chairman of the foundation, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event, scheduled to coincide with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, is aimed at promoting grassroots sports, engaging talented youths, and supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Adebowale stated that the theme of this year’s edition, “Let’s Defeat Insecurity,” was deliberately chosen to encourage citizens to partner with security agencies through actionable intelligence and community solidarity.
”Sports is a powerful unifying factor that transcends religious, tribal, and regional differences. By bringing youths from diverse backgrounds together, we are creating an avenue for unity.
”Through this interaction, we can advocate for peace and encourage our people to support security agencies with necessary information to battle crime in our communities,” he said.
He said the event was open to both male and female runners nationwide, with participants expected from states such as Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Niger, and Lagos.
Adebowale explained that it replicated the cross-country attendance recorded during the maiden edition.
According to the chairman, the race will strictly feature adult runners from the age of 18.
He outlined the designated 21km route to include the take-off point at the Apo Community Stadium, through NEPA Junction to Games Village Roundabout, connecting Galadima Roundabout down to Kabusa Junction, and terminating at the Apo Community Stadium.
Adebowale, however, lamented the lack of corporate sponsorship for the event, revealing that the cash prizes and logistics were being funded through the collective personal resources of the foundation’s members.
”We do not have any sponsors for now. Everything you see, including the advertisements and the cash prizes for the athletes, is from individual contributions of our members.
”We are heavily open to sponsorship and partnership from well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies because this project benefits the entire Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the nation,” he added.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the foundation, Mr Victor Chollom, stated that APF had officially written to various security agencies, to provide lectures and security tips for the participants.
These, he said, included the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Chollom linked the prevailing economic hardship in the country to rural insecurity, which he said had prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands.
”Part of the reason there is economic hardship is that insecurity in rural areas won’t allow parents to go to the farm, leading to food scarcity in the markets.
”We are using this platform to advocate for the government to hasten interventions like the forest guards so farmers can safely return to their farmlands.
“We are also catching these young ones early through sports and educational scholarships to ensure they grow with a mindset of peace,” Chollom said.
On his part, the Foundation’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Husain Yahaya, expressed worry over the high number of unengaged, talented youths roaming the streets.
He said that the marathon was designed to take them off the streets and expose them to global sports opportunities.
Yahaya said the foundation had embarked on aggressive roadshows, radio announcements, and school visitations to ensure grassroots athletes without regular platforms are given an opportunity to showcase their skills.
Cash prizes will be awarded to winners in both the male and female categories.
The first position winners will smile home with N350,000 each, while the second, third, fourth, and fifth-position runners will receive N250,000, N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 respectively.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
