Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that the state overcame lots of challenges in sponsoring the Rivers International Marathon 2024 to ensure its success and thereby open up the economy of the state to global investment opportunities.

The governor also said that his administration was already committed to youth development by expanding the space and exposing them to a variety of sporting activities to groom potential talents for excellence and attainment of their aspirations.

Fubara made the remarks at the closing ceremony and presentation of prizes and medals to the winners of the Rivers International Marathon 2024, with the theme, ‘Power On, Conquer the Distance’, which took place at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

He expressed delight that the event, the first of its kind in the state, was successfully hosted despite the initial difficulties it faced.

He said: “When we started the planning, we had a lot of issues but somehow along the way, we finally agreed and resolved all the bottlenecks, challenges, more especially, finances to host this event.

“But I can say, on our part as a government and also as the host of an event that has never taken place in Rivers State before, we were a bit far from the organisers.”

“This is because all they were saying was like, if I could liken it to anything, the cost could even help me renovate a school.

“So, I asked, why should I spend such money just for a marathon? But they convinced us that this event will open the doors economically to the world and for Rivers State.

“And for that reason, we gave them all the support that was needed for it to be a success. And I can say, to the glory of God, that I am happy that we are here today witnessing it live and direct.”

He pledged that there would be a second edition, adding that it would be better than the first because the mistakes made would be corrected in order to achieve the desired expectation.

The governor, who congratulated the winners of the competition, said his administration would sustain support for all youths who want to explore their sporting talents in the state and help them to blossom.

He added: “Let me also say that we might not have gotten it very, very right in this first one because it is the first.

“I strongly believe that when we are going to host the second one, most of our mistakes, most of the areas that we did not consider, we will consider them and make the second event a more glamorous one that will be better than this.

“For us as a government, we know the importance of sports. We know that sports and youth development go together. For that reason, we are not going to joke about the aspect of youth development. We are not going to joke about the aspect of sports development.”

He commended the Commissioner of Sports, Christopher Green, for his leadership in the ministry that has led to winning lots of trophies for the state.

In the 45Km Elite Race, Gyang Boyi Nyango of Plateau State emerged overall best (male) with two hours, 28 minutes, 29 seconds to clinch the gold medal with the accompanying prize of $10,000 plus the N5 million support from the Rivers State government.

Peninah Arusei from Kenya finished tops as the female in the 45Km Elite Race with a total time of two hours, 48 minutes and 23 seconds to clinch the gold medal and win the prize money of $10,000 plus the N5 million support from the state government.

Iliya Pam Nwanta from Plateau State was the first runner-up, winning silver medal while Isti Fanus Peter Maham from Plateau State got the bronze medal.

Fubara announced a complimentary monetary award of N1 million to each of the athletes in the first 20 places behind the gold medal winners as an encouragement to them, saying it would motivate others to consider joining in the competition in the future.

In the 30 meters race, Fubara emerged winner and had his medal presented to him by the Chairman, Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka.

Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, won the second place in the 30 meters race and had her medal presented to her by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Sports, Green, said the state has now become the hub of sports in Nigeria as a result of the immeasurable support the governor has given to sports development in the state.