By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-02-11 05:02:02
Wadata Barau of Bauchi State made history by emerging as the winner of the male category of the fourth edition of the Senator Douye Diri (SDD) Bayelsa Marathon. The event, which took place yesterday, saw a total of 135 athletes participating in the elite, teens, and leisure runners categories, with both male and female students competing in the 21km and 5km races.
The 24-year-old Barau, a 400-level student at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, outperformed his competitors in the 21km elite event, earning him the prestigious N500,000 star prize. The race began at the Akenfa community along the Glory Drive and concluded at the Peace Park in Yenagoa.
In the male category, Nenfort Martins from Plateau State secured the second position and received a cash prize of N300,000. Selengue Constant, also from Plateau, came in third place and was awarded N200,000. Meanwhile, in the female category, Yilven Nicholas from Plateau State claimed the top spot, winning the N500,000 prize. Following her was Delta State-born Charity Agofure, who received N300,000, and in third place, Goar Grace of Plateau State was given N200,000.
The male teen category saw Andrew Bright emerge as the champion, earning a cash reward of N150,000. Wisdom Fyneface came in second place, securing N100,000, while Abule Ayibakipriye and Moses Amalala tied for the third spot and received the N50,000 prize.
During the event, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, extended his congratulations to the athletes and bikers for their participation in the historic SDD Bayelsa Marathon. He expressed his appreciation for the event, stating that it had come to stay and become an important fixture on the sporting calendar. He also acknowledged the efforts of Comrade Odonkumo Igbeita, a young man from the state who initiated the marathon.
Diri highlighted the significance of the marathon, emphasizing that it was the fourth edition of a series that began as a walk from Kolokuma/Opokuma to Yenagoa in February 2020 to celebrate his emergence as governor. He expressed his satisfaction with the significant interest shown by the youth in the marathon and encouraged the participants to strive for success in national and international competitions, making Bayelsa the cradle of sports in Nigeria.
Overall, the fourth edition of the Senator Douye Diri (SDD) Bayelsa Marathon was a significant success, showcasing the talent and determination of the participating athletes. The event not only provided an opportunity for the athletes to showcase their skills but also highlighted the commitment of the Bayelsa State government to promoting sports and fostering an environment for sports development.
