By Progress Godfrey, Abuja
As part of moves to encourage healthy living and provide succour to the needy, the Abuja Charity Marathon at the weekend unveiled its ambassadors, a move that begins activities in the build-up to the main event set to hold on 19th April 2025.
Delivering a speech at the media unveiling and decoration ceremony in Abuja at the weekend, Convener of the Abuja Charity Marathon, Amb. (Dr) Chris Oko Odey said that beyond racing and fitness, the marathon serves as a movement and a call to action, as well as a powerful expression of a shared commitment to humanity.
“The Abuja Charity Marathon, scheduled for April 19, 2025, is not just about fitness or competition; it is about solidarity, philanthropy, and impact. It is about bringing together NGOs, corporate bodies, philanthropists, professional athletes, and everyday citizens to run for a cause to uplift the less privileged and foster a spirit of unity within our community.
“We are honored to have distinguished personalities joining us, including His Royal Majesty. Igwe Samuel Asadu Ogadagidi, and Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Chetachi Ecton Nwoga, whose unwavering support for humanitarian causes continues to inspire us all,” said the Convener.
He emphasised that this year’s marathon would feature over 500 runners and more than 1,000 attendees, with activities beyond the race, including entertainment, exhibitions, networking, and community engagement.
According to him, a Mixed-Gender Novelty Football Match has been fixed between the Abuja Charity Marathon Ambassadors and NUJ Abuja Chapter members, symbolising the unity and teamwork needed to drive social change.
He thanked partners and individuals for their effort to make the marathon a success while calling on individuals, organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to join in the noble endeavour. “Whether as runners, sponsors, volunteers, or advocates, your participation will make a difference.”
“Together, we can turn this marathon into a legacy of hope, health, and humanity. Let’s lace up our running shoes, bring our hearts to the cause, and make history for the FCT and beyond,” Amb. Odey added.
In her remark, the grand matron of the Abuja Charity Marathon, HRM (Dr) Chetachi Ecton Nwoga, said the marathon would serve as an avenue to give back to the needy.
“The marathon will provide school tuition for orphans and to families that cannot afford school fees.
“This marathon also will provide skills acquisitions for those that have dropped out of school that wish to have some kind of, I wouldn’t say career, but something that will bring or put food on their tables,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers and grand patron of the Abuja Charity Marathon, HRM Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu expressed joy for being a part of the event as it promotes healthy living.
Represented by Chief Sabastine Ezema, the monarch emphasised the need to revert to daily exercise as a routine principle, stating that there is no healthy nation without a healthy people.
He said, “You can see what is happening in the nation now. You can see a lot of men that you think are very healthy falling in their workplaces, falling while they are doing their exercises. It is raising a lot of dangerous signals to the populace.”
In a goodwill message, Chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Ms Grace Ike, praised the organisers of the event for acknowledging the role of the media in creating awareness and disseminating accurate information to the general public.
“We know full well that this marathon will promote community development which Her Royal Majesty has just emphasised on. We know full well that this event will promote and support charity organisation. We also know full well that this event will promote sportsmanship and unity,” she noted.
She therefore assured of the NUJ’s support to further promote healthy living among the Nigerian populace.
The NUJ Chair also commended representatives of the entertainment industry, urging them to be fervent in their role to support community development as well as give back to the community.
Several ambassadors from the entertainment industry were announced, including comedians, musicians, actors, and media personalities, among others.
Some of the ambassadors who spoke to newsmen said they were elated to be part of such a community-driven initiative, even as they promised to make the event a success.