The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, has showered glowing commendations on PremiumTrust Bank and Nilayo Sports Management Limited, following the successful staging of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon, which delivered world-class competition, flawless organisation, and historic performances.
The highly anticipated race lived up to its billing as Kenya reaffirmed its dominance in long-distance running, sweeping the podium in the men’s elite category. Kephar Namutala claimed first place in 1:05:14:45, earning $8,000, while compatriots Edwin Kipyago and Ezekiel Chepkoromi finished second and third respectively.
Nigeria, however, made remarkable strides. Adamu Shehu finished 4th overall with one of the best home-grown performances in years, winning ₦2 million and $4,000, while Auta Monday secured 8th place overall and a combined reward of ₦1.5 million and $500.
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In the women’s race, Kenya’s Mercy Jepkemoi took gold, but Nigeria celebrated as Shambor Blessing and Akusho Lydia delivered a stunning 2nd and 3rd place finish.
SSA Adeboye praised the NSC leadership, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG Hon. Bukola Olopade, but reserved special accolades for Nilayo Sports MD/CEO, Yetunde Olopade, describing her as “one of the most impactful visionaries in the Nigerian sports industry.”
“What Yetunde Olopade and her team have done with this marathon is phenomenal. Her consistency, passion, and excellence have positioned Nigeria as a growing hub for international road racing. She is a shining star in sports management,” Adeboye said.
He also hailed PremiumTrust Bank for investing in athletics and demonstrating corporate leadership in sports development.
“PremiumTrust Bank has shown what true sponsorship should look like—strategic, meaningful, and impactful. With partners like this, Nigerian sports will thrive,” he added.
The SSA reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to long-distance athlete development, noting that the performances witnessed in Abuja signal the beginning of a new era.
“This marathon is not just a race; it is a statement. Nigeria is coming. With proper structures, more support, and more competitions like this, we will soon challenge global powers in distance running,” he concluded.
The 2025 PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon has now been hailed as one of Nigeria’s best-organised road races to date—thanks to PremiumTrust Bank, Nilayo Sports MD Yetunde Olopade, and the visionary support of the National Sports Commission.
