Welcome Address By Sola Aiyepeku, Lagos State Sports Commissioner:
In a welcome address by Sola Aiyepeku, the executive chairman Lagos State Sports Commissioner sighted he said that “since 2016, Lagos has had the privilege of hosting thousands of professional, amateur and recreational athletes as Host City of the Access Bank Lagos Marathon. Over the past 7 years, the Marathon has established itself as one of the most exciting global Marathons.
Even more pleasing is the attainment of a Gold Label status within such a short time. As you can imagine, the effort to deliver an event of this scale every year is significant.
However, knowing that the thousands of runners and millions of enthusiasts around the world depend on us to deliver is all the motivation we need to continue to work to ensure a hitch free marathon year on year.
I dare say that the attainment of a Gold Label status in 6 years is testament that the efforts of Nilayo Sports, LSSC and partner Government agencies, sponsors and Lagos State Government led by Governor Babalide Sanwoolu has been worth it.
As we go again in Lagos this year, it is important to reiterate that all efforts have been made to ensure a safe and successful marathon for all stakeholders.
However, with thousands of participants, it is important that we all play our parts and adhere to safety guidelines and follow instructions. Our priority is the safety of all participants and we ask that all should prioritize their safety and that of other runners at all times…”
YC Maikyau’s pep talk to the participants at the just concluded Run 4 Justice
“This is an important event and as my learned brother Osaro Eghobamien, SAN had opined that “I only see a judiciary that is effective and efficient, capable of winning the confidence of its consumer and the outside world. The obstacles will, and must, be removed. And it will take all of us playing our part” shares my innermost thoughts about our judiciary and the administration of Justice as a whole. We are all stakeholders in the service to the cause of justice and it is by justice, that we can recover, reform and reposition our dear country.
As members of the Legal Profession, we must begin to live for the direction of our people and the advancement of the cause of our country- the only way to earn the confidence of the people and provide the desired leadership we all yearn for. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon. With resilience, patience, determination and purposefulness, we would get there.”
Osaro Eghobamien, SAN speaking about the marathon said “As most in my professional and personal circles will likely know by now, I am currently preparing to run a marathon on February 4th, 2023-continuing my Run 4 Justice initiative for the fifth year.
Even having successfully completed four marathons with the goal of advocating for the reform of Nigeria’s justice administration system, preparation is still as tedious and punishing as you can imagine.
One never builds a total immunity to pain. I practised running 42km this morning, the 4th day of February, 2023. It is an adventure that remains as exhilarating as the very first time.
I am not sure why this year’s edition brings with it such a mixed bag of feelings. Is it because one is getting older and more accustomed, yet cynical, to handling the pedestrian challenges of life? Or simply because my membership of the National Judicial Council (NJC) provides a different vantage point from which to observe and assess the structural inhibitions that restrain us as a country?
It suffices to say that most would find it troubling that many of our institutions of reform are in themselves in need of reorientation and realignment with the core principles of a properly functioning justice administration system….”
