By Martin Odiete
The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has described the forthcoming Road Race Conference scheduled to hold in Lagos as a landmark event that reflects Nigeria’s growing reputation in global sports, while also strengthening the link between sports, health, and national development.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the decision of the global road race organizers to choose Lagos as host underscores the confidence of the international sporting community in Nigeria’s ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“These are races that have existed for over a hundred years. For them to pick Lagos and Nigeria speaks to the confidence they have in the reforms that Mr. President is putting together — not only in sports, but across housing, healthcare, and education,” Olopade said.
He highlighted the importance of the event in advancing the sports economy and promoting wellness among Nigerians. “Road running has a very simple, symbiotic relationship between good health, education, and competition. Bringing sports, education, and health together is the essence of this conference — and part of our agenda to make the sports economy bigger in Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasized the wider social and economic benefits of the Road Race Conference, saying it would attract global attention, promote tourism, and reshape international perceptions of Nigeria.
“This conference will help get more people to participate, encourage better organization among running clubs, and nurture more talent,” Dikko said. “It’s also an opportunity to promote Nigeria, our culture, and our soft power across the world. When visitors come and experience our hospitality, they will return home as ambassadors of Nigeria, telling good stories about this country.”
He noted that the influx of international delegates and athletes will boost the local economy through increased spending in hotels, transport, and tourism sectors. “It benefits us economically, culturally, and socially. Everything works for us if we are able to do it right,” he said, adding that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader vision to make Nigeria a hub for hosting major sporting events and conferences.
The Road Race Conference is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the global road-running community, sports federations, and fitness enthusiasts to exchange ideas on the development of running as both a sport and a tool for community wellness.
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