By Aderonke Ojo
Nilayo Sports Management Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering world-class sporting events as it hosted an international press conference ahead of the 2025 Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon.
The briefing, held on Friday in Abuja, marked a major step in the buildup to the second edition of the race scheduled for December 6, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports, welcomed guests and highlighted the marathon’s rising global stature. m
She described the race as a powerful emblem of partnership, ambition and national pride, noting its growing significance in the international athletics community.
Olopade emphasized that the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon is more than just a sporting contest, but a unifying force that showcases excellence.
She praised Premium Trust Bank for its unwavering support, adding that the 2025 edition promises heightened elite participation, refined logistics and reinforced safety measures.
She further noted that the event has earned a prestigious World Athletics Label, aligning it with globally recognized races that meet top-tier international standards.
Olopade also expressed gratitude to the media for consistently amplifying the visibility and impact of the marathon.
Representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, assured participants of the administration’s full backing.
He explained that Abuja approved the annual hosting of the marathon because the city remains a hospitable destination capable of welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world.
Istifanus added that the beauty and renewed vibrancy of the nation’s capital will be on full display during the race. He described the half marathon as one of the most exciting and enlightening events set to take place within the FCT.
President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, also endorsed the race, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparation by organizers.
He stressed that AFN’s approval is critical for the event’s credibility and revealed that Premium Trust Bank had paid a ₦10 million sanction fee in line with international regulations.
Technical Director of the race and three-time Olympian, Yusuf Ali, announced that several top-ranked elite runners had already arrived in Abuja.
He added that the last group of international athletes landed on Friday night and confirmed that the race will start at 6:30 a.m. with advanced timing systems to ensure fast, accurate results.
To guarantee safety and smooth operations, Ali explained that all roads along the race route will be closed between 6:30 a.m. and 7:33 a.m.
He also noted that Premium Trust Bank had provided water stations at every kilometre, ensuring athletes receive essential support throughout the course.
Organizers unveiled an impressive prize package for winners across categories. International athletes will compete for prizes ranging from $8,000 to $500, while Nigerian runners will vie for rewards between ₦2 million and ₦100,000. Students will also compete for prizes from ₦1 million to ₦100,000.
Speaking on behalf of Premium Trust Bank, Shina Atilola reaffirmed the bank’s deep commitment to youth development and national progress through sports.
He stated that sports remain a vital platform for empowering young people, noting the bank’s long-standing support for major sporting events, including the National Sports Festival.
Atilola described the marathon as an embodiment of the bank’s pursuit of excellence and its belief in Nigeria’s growing sports economy. He thanked the FCT administration for its partnership and encouraged the public to witness what he called a thrilling and potentially record-breaking race.
Athletes from 13 countries—including 30 elite runners from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria—are set to participate in the 2025 edition, further cementing Abuja’s status as an emerging hub for international road racing.
The second edition of the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon promises a world-class sporting spectacle for athletes, fans and the entire city on December 6.