Nigeria is set to take center stage in the world of athletics as the National Sports Commission, in partnership with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, announces that the country will host the maiden edition of the Africa Running Conference in Lagos. The groundbreaking event is designed to promote health, fitness, and sporting excellence across the continent while boosting private sector participation and showcasing Nigeria’s growing influence in global sports.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the upcoming conference as a milestone in the country’s sports development journey. He noted that the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria’s sports industry into a key driver of economic growth and national development.
According to Dikko, the Africa Running Conference will serve as a platform for talent discovery, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among sports professionals, athletes, and stakeholders from across the continent. He emphasized that the event will also attract global attention to Nigeria’s potential as a hub for international sporting activities and investments.
Dikko said the initiative reflects the National Sports Commission’s broader mission to build a sustainable sports ecosystem where sports contribute significantly to the economy beyond recreation. He added that the event would encourage partnerships between government institutions, private organizations, and international sports bodies to foster youth engagement, tourism, and community development.
Sports enthusiasts and industry experts have lauded the announcement, calling it a timely boost for Nigeria’s image and infrastructure. With Lagos set to host the event, preparations are underway to ensure that facilities and logistics meet international standards, reflecting Nigeria’s readiness to host high-profile sporting gatherings.
The Africa Running Conference is expected to feature a mix of exhibitions, workshops, and interactive sessions focusing on sports innovation, fitness technology, coaching excellence, and grassroots development. It will also provide opportunities for athletes, sponsors, and entrepreneurs to explore collaborations that can further elevate the continent’s athletics scene.
Nigeria’s hosting of this maiden edition marks a defining moment in its sports history, signaling a renewed commitment to harnessing athletics as a tool for unity, health promotion, and economic empowerment. As preparations intensify, excitement continues to build around what promises to be one of the most transformative sporting events ever held on African soil.
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