By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
Abuja-In a bid to foster inter-agency cooperation among security personnel, the Armed Forces of Nigeria(AFN) and Security Agencies are set to hold the 2nd edition of the Half Marathon Championship in Abuja.
Recall that the maiden edition of the Half Marathon Championship held in Abuja on April 29, 2017, with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), emerging the winner.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chairman Organising Committee, Maj.Gen Sarduana Davies Rtd, said the Half Marathon Championship which will hold on June 30, 2018, will give room for competition and interaction among the rank and file of the AFN and security organisations.
The Chairman noted that 11 agencies will be participating and a total of 180 participants, 10 male and eight (8) female will be drawn from each organisation.
According to him, “the event will hold on the 30th of June 2018 in Abuja and the participants will be drawn from 11 security agencies which are; Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria immigration, Prisons, Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and Directorate of Road Transport Services”.
He further said that the participants will be from among the younger echelon, so as to help ease the tensions faced between lower ranks in all parts of the country.
Maj.Gen.Davies expressed hopes that the unique identity the event will afford, will enhance unity and togetherness of the Armed Forces.
While fielding questions from Journalists on rivalry among security agencies, the Chairman pointed out that rivalry among security agencies and services will not stop in a day, stressing that the idea behind the game was to use the medium for physical interaction, so as to help for bonding and friendship.
“All those who matter in the services and security agencies will all be there. Our aim is to unify the security agencies and the event will translate into actual bonding as we want it to be in years to come” he remarked.
On the championship being held at state level, he said, “Time will tell if it will hold in states and other opportunities will be exploited to include those who are outside Abuja”.
He pointed out that the Committee planned the edition to meet international standards with assistance of Athletic Federation of Nigeria, adding that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha will be the special guest of honour and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin will be the Chief host.
On the prizes to be won, Maj. Gen. Davies stated that there will be cash prizes for individual honour and trophies for team honour, adding also that there has been improvements on the prizes that will be handed out in this year’s competition.
While looking forward to a very keen and competitive event, he expressed hopes that the other security agencies have improved in the last 12 months, to give the last winners, NSCDC a challenge.
The Half Marathon Championship with the theme, “Racing to Bond”, will start by 6:AM from Dei Dei road and end at Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks.
Image credit: Dailytrust
