A 31-year-old athlete, Chukwuebuka Onyia, has won Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI)’s 2024 Marathon organised for non professional athletes within Enugu State.
Onyia, who hails from Udi Council Area of Enugu State, won the race after beating other contestants in the time of 1hr: 17mins, 11 seconds.
He received the N500,000 prize of the 22 Kilometer Marathon which kicked off at 7:20a.m from the entrance gate of the Omnium Sanctorum Chaplaincy of the university at the Thinkers Corner.
The race took the contestants through Emene Old road and terminated at the university’s main campus at Ugwuomu Nike, Enugu.
Chukwu Francis, 34, and Clinton Ogbuagu, 35, came a distant 2nd and 3rd position and were rewarded with N200, 000 and N100, 000 respectively.
In the female category, Miss Esther Atigbo, won the race after arriving at the final point at 1hr: 44mins, 5 seconds.
She also pocketed N500, 000, while a 16-year-old Happiness Eze of Queens of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka and Genevieve Odinaka, finished in 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
They received N200,000 and N100,000 respectively for their exploits.
The fourth to 20th positions from both categories received a consolation prize of N20, 000 each, while a 60- year-old among them received N50,000.
Handing over the prizes to the winners, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Christian Anieke, said the exercise was part of the institution’s innovation to develop young people and discover talents.
He said that Nigerian youths are good but need support to excel in their different areas of interest, saying, “from what I witnessed today, I saw young athletes who can compete with Kenya and Tanzania athletes.”
“Imagine 12 to 16 years old girls finishing the marathon and what if they are supported, they will do wonders,” the Vice Chancellor said.
While pledging to promote young talents to achieve their aspirations, Anieke said he opened the marathon outside the university to enable youths showcase their talents.
He commended them for demonstrating their talents, skills and abilities, explaining that the marathon was part of the programmes mapped out for the 12th convocation of the University scheduled to hold on Nov. 16.
One of the sponsors of the marathon, Mr Nnamdi Ozo, the Chief Executive Officer, Tribu Groups, said his gesture was a way of giving back to the society.
“I am impressed with their performances. I know there are youths out there who can showcase their talents if given the opportunity,” he said.
Receiving the cash prize, Onyia thanked Anieke for organising the race, saying it was his first time emerging winner in a marathon.
“I have talent in athletics but I need support from Nigerians,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted him as appealing.
