The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has emerged champions in the individual male and female categories of the 2nd edition of the Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathan Championship organized by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin in Abuja.
For the individual male category, Gyan Emmanuel of the NSCDC came first in 1 hour, 7 minutes and 44 seconds, followed by Goyet Gideon also of the NSCDC while Raymond Nandel of the Nigerian Amy took 3rd prize in a time of I hour, 11 minutes and 33 seconds.
For the female category, 1st position went to Badum Debourah of NSCDC at a time of 1 hour 22 minutes and 2 seconds, 2nd position went to Dinatu Yohanna of the Nigerian Police while Naomi Yohanna of the Nigerian Army came 3rdt in a time of 1 hour, 39 minutes and 3 seconds.
For the teams categories, the Nigerian Army emerged overall winners followed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps while the Nigerian Airfoce came 3rd in both the male and female categories
For the ceremonial tug of war event, the Nigerian Army defeated the Federal Fire Service.
In his keynore address at the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin said, “It is very important to state that the improved understanding, synergy and cooperation between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, which this competition amongst other initiatives promotes, is in fulfillment of the desire of Mr President Commander-in-Chief, President Mohammadu Buhari for a more cohesive national security institutions for the overall objective of effective and efficient security for all Nigerians.
Recalling that the Maiden Edition of the Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship was held in April 2017, the CDS said, “In my opening remarks last year, I did mention that this championship would be an annual event. The event today is in fulfillment of that promise and a strong desire to make this event a unique and unforgettable sport meets in the annals of the Armed Forces and Security Agencies.
“In the first edition of the Championship last year, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps clinched the first position. Noting from the observed performances of the marathoners today, it is obvious that there have been a lot of improvement in the individual performances of the athletes within the last 12 months.
“This is buttressed by the keen contest for individual and team victory, the official results of which we shall witness shortly.
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“The Maiden Edition of this Championship attracted 110 sports men and women. The tremendous support from the Service Chiefs, Heads of Security Agencies and our co-sponsors saw to increase in the number of athletes in 2018 Championship to 180 participants.
“The Defence Headquarters acknowledges your support. We also acknowledge that to become a world class race, we must focus on quality above quantity. Thus, the Defence Headquarters will continue with the organizers of the race to strive to improve each edition of the championship.
“While there was an effort to increase the number of athletes participating in the championship, corresponding efforts have also been made to improve the prizes.
“The Defence Headquarters is aware that Marathon Championships around the world have their unique identities. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters strived to ensure that the Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship becomes the rallying point for the services and agencies where officers and men converge every year not only to cheer their athletes but for further interactions leading to better understanding.
“The theme for this year’s competition therefore, was carefully chosen as ‘Racing to Bond’’. It is expected that the bond of friendship and understanding that will be developed through this annual championship will lead to improved synergy among all the security agencies for more efficient and effective security service delivery to our dear country.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour and Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Boss Mustapha commended the Chief of Defence Staff for the initiative of the Half Marathon Race saying it will foster synergy, collaboration and better relationswhips which are needed among the armed forces and other security agencies to enable the nation tackle the myraids of security challenges confronting the country.
“This novel marathon competition will ginger physical fitness and mental alertness which is necessary to combat the security challenges facing the country. What I have seen displayed this morning in the championship is friendship. If our armed forces and security agencies synergize and collaborate this way security challenges would be defeated on time as them come”.
Prizes were presented to winners by dignitaries including the Mr. Boss Mustapha, SGF, CDS, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas, Mrs Dillichukwu Oyedinma who represented the FCT among others.
Some dignitaries who witnessed the occasion include the minister of the Interior, Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi, Comptroller General of Immigration, Babandede.
The 20.9kilometer Half Marathon race which commenced from the Dutse junction on the Kubwa expressway and ended at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment, Abuja, was flagged off by M. Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by 7.30am.
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