The Enugu State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan ahead of the Enugu City International Marathon, assuring participants, residents and visitors of adequate measures to ensure a safe, orderly and successful event.
Speaking at a World Press Conference ahead of the marathon, Dr. Jide Ikoko-Nola, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Ubi Ozo, said the Ministry of Transport had mapped out strategic routes and was working with other security agencies to effectively manage vehicular movement during the event.
Ikoko-Nola said the marathon was not merely a sporting event but a platform for unity, friendship and international engagement, describing it as an opportunity to showcase Enugu to Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.
He said the state government, under the leadership of Governor Mavellous, was determined to position Enugu alongside other developed cities in Nigeria through initiatives capable of attracting international attention and promoting the state’s image.
According to him, the Ministry of Transport would leave nothing to chance in ensuring that traffic restrictions and diversions were properly implemented along the marathon routes.
He particularly warned motorists against parking vehicles at Okpara Square and other designated areas along the marathon routes, stressing that only authorised government and VIP vehicles would be allowed within restricted areas.
“No vehicle should park at Okpara Square, whether you are a supporter or anyone else. Please, you will be doing us a great service if you don’t park your car, truck or any other vehicle there,” he said.
He added that similar restrictions would apply to other major routes within the city, noting that unnecessary vehicular movement would also be restricted in areas designated for the marathon.
The transport representative warned that motorists who violated the traffic directives would face the full weight of the law, urging residents to cooperate with traffic management officials and security agencies.
He also disclosed that the state’s normal environmental sanitation exercise would be adjusted on the day of the marathon to accommodate the event and allow for the smooth management of traffic and other activities.
Ikoko-Nola appealed to residents to support the government’s arrangements, stressing that the success of the marathon was a collective responsibility and not that of government alone.
“We are intentional about it. We are leaving nothing to chance. We must ensure that the same order and discipline are maintained throughout the event,” he said.
He urged residents to see the marathon as an opportunity to demonstrate that Enugu could successfully host an international-standard event while embracing global best practices.
“If we don’t get it right, what are we going to showcase to the world? Are we going to give the impression that Africa is still in the Stone Age, or that we have not risen above our local ways of doing things to embrace international best practices? No,” he said.
He called on residents, motorists, businesses, supporters and visitors to play their part by obeying all traffic directives and cooperating with security and transport officials.
The Enugu City International Marathon is expected to bring together athletes and sports enthusiasts from different parts of Nigeria, Africa and beyond, with the state government expressing optimism that the event will further strengthen Enugu’s profile as a destination for major sporting and international events.
Ikoko-Nola concluded by welcoming participants and visitors to what he described as the “Unity of Purpose and Direction” and the “Handshake Across the Niger,” urging everyone to work together to make the marathon a memorable event for Enugu and its guests.
