Yaya, Akauho win Third Diri Anniversary Marathon

Governor Diri handing over winners’ cheques to champions of the SDD marathon

Bayelsa governor tasks corporates on sports investment Hamadjan Yaya from Cross River State and Lidiah Akuaho from Plateau State, on Saturday, won the men and women categories of the third Senator Douye Diri (SDD) 15-kilometre marathon race.

The race was part of the activities commemorating the third anniversary of the governor’s administration.

Other winners in the men’s category were Tosin Adedeji from Ogun State, who came second, while Wadata Barau from Bauchi took the third position.

In the women category, Patience John, also from Plateau State, placed second, while Charity Agofure of Delta State came third.

The competitors started from Akenfa and concluded the race at the Peace Park in Yenagoa.

Governor Diri, in his remarks, commended the winners and participants, and urged the private sector, particularly corporate organisations in the state, to sponsor sporting activities as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The governor stressed the need to develop the sports sector, describing it as a money-spinning venture as well as a veritable tool to foster peace and unity among the people.

He, therefore, charged his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Daniel Igali, to scout for sponsors, particularly for the SDD Marathon, to enable the state produce top athletes that would compete in long distance races.

He also directed that the SDD Marathon be included in the calendar of the Ministry of Youths and Sports as well as given greater publicity to attract more athletes.

His words: “Let me call on those who are doing business in Bayelsa, particularly those doing business with the state government, that by