Joel Ajayi
Over 500 athletes from 13 countries are set to compete in the second edition of the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon taking place on Saturday.
Speaking at a world press conference on Friday in Abuja, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, said Abuja has rapidly become one of Africa’s leading destinations for top-tier road races.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering a world-class event that aligns with global standards.
According to her, the Abuja City Half Marathon is more than a sporting competition—it is a platform for showcasing athletic talent, promoting national pride, and strengthening Nigeria’s presence on the global athletics calendar.
“This edition promises improved organization and an elevated experience for all participants. Every detail is designed to reflect excellence,” Olopade said.
Olopade welcomed the representatives from World Athletics, acknowledging their presence as a testament to the marathon’s growing credibility.
She praised Premium Trust Bank—the sole sponsor and partner—for its commitment, vision, and long-term investment in Nigerian sports.
“At Nilayo Sports Management Limited, our mandate is clear: to deliver global-quality sporting events that create opportunities for athletes, boost local economies, and showcase Nigeria on the world stage.
This year’s edition is another bold step forward,” she added.
She also expressed gratitude to the media, noting that their reports and coverage play a crucial role in placing the marathon firmly on the international athletics map.
Representing the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Shina Atilola emphasized the bank’s continued commitment to sponsoring the event for many years. He said the bank views sports sponsorship as a pathway to youth empowerment.
“Within six months of commencing operations, we launched the Youth Sports Festival, then supported the National Sports Festival and football initiatives—all in line with our commitment to excellence,” he said.
The Head of the Technical Sub-Committee, former Olympian Yusuf Ali, revealed that more than 500 athletes—including 30 globally rated elite runners by World Athletics—have arrived in Abuja for the race.
He stressed that strict adherence to global standards would be maintained throughout the competition.
“There will be no shortcuts. We have installed three spy cameras along the route to monitor compliance. Every athlete will use chipped timing, and we will operate three timing systems to ensure accuracy,” Ali said.
He added that results for all finishers would be posted within one hour after the race, supported by photos and manual backup documentation.
Athletes from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Algeria and several other nations are expected to compete. Front runners are projected to finish the race by 7:32 a.m. Water and refreshment points will be stationed along the route, including after the 17.5-kilometre mark.
The prize structure for the international category includes: $8,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, $2,000, $1,000 and $500 for the top eight finishers (male and female).
For Nigerian athletes: ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million, ₦500,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 for the top six finishers.
For students: ₦1 million, ₦500,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000. FCT Administration Pledges Support
Representing the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the FCT Director of Sports Lukas Istifanus described Abuja as a hospitable city that proudly approved Nilayo Sports’ operations. He assured that FCT officials and residents would turn out in large numbers to support the marathon.
The race is scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. Organizers will deploy: chip-timing devices, photo-finish technology, and manual backup systems.
Official results will be published within one hour after completion. For safety and smooth movement, roads along the race route will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 7:33 a.m.
Premium Trust Bank will also provide hydration services at water stations positioned at every kilometre.
