By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Felele, Lokoja
January 22, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday officially flagged off the maiden edition of the Kogi Half Marathon 2026 in Lokoja, the state capital, describing the historic event as a deliberate initiative aimed at youth engagement, unity, and sustainable peacebuilding.
The half marathon drew athletes from over ten states across the federation, adding national colour and competitive excitement to the event, with winners set to receive attractive cash prizes.
The race kicked off from the Felele axis of Lokoja, traversed major routes including Crusher and Zone Eight, and culminated at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, amid cheers from residents and supporters.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ododo explained that the marathon was conceived to project Kogi State as a peaceful, united, and welcoming destination, while also encouraging physical fitness and steering young people away from crime and social vices.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic geographical position as the gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria confers on the state a unique responsibility to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups.
“Kogi State is the only place where the Rivers Niger and Benue converge and flow as one without crisis. That alone teaches us the power of unity.
“This marathon is one of the strategies we are deploying to positively engage our youth and keep them away from criminal activities,” the governor stated.
Governor Ododo further emphasized that sports remains a powerful instrument for youth development, social integration, and crime prevention, assuring that the Kogi Half Marathon would be sustained and expanded in the years ahead.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inclusive leadership style and for providing young people with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
The governor expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, security agencies, and local government authorities, for their collective efforts in ensuring a peaceful and successful event.
“As we declare this marathon open, we do so in the interest of the fitness of our youth, the peace of our land, and the unity of our people,” he added.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, applauded Governor Ododo for fostering an enabling environment for sports and youth development in Kogi State.
He said the marathon clearly reflects the administration’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for empowerment, healthy living, and social cohesion.
The Kogi Half Marathon 2026, the first of its kind in the state, is expected to evolve into an annual sporting event on Kogi’s sporting calendar.
