In Emotional Spiritual Overjoy, Olopade Revels Success Story Of Access Bank Lagos Marathon

The CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Company, Bukola Olopade could not hide his joy and a heart of thanksgiving to God during the world press conference to usher in the 8th edition of the Gold-label Access Bank Lagos City Marathon when he rendered serious of Christian songs in praises.

The 8th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon holds on Saturday, 4 February with no fewer that 60 elite athletes from across the world participating and thousands of local and foreign runners in attendance.

Olopade, who was visibly emotional, told his audience at the Headquarters of Access Bank on Lagos Island Friday when he looked back at the humble beginning of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon eight years ago, especially when some people were skeptical about the organisation of the race in the city of Lagos and more importantly what the marathon now turns to become, growing within three years of its maiden edition to become a bronze label race, graduating within four years to become a silver label race and now in its eight edition to a gold label race; meaning that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is one of the sought-after races in the world, he is so humbled in the presence of the Almighty God and thankful of the continue support from all the sponsors and indeed the government of Lagos for believing in Nilayo Sports Management Company.

The former Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, said that he was so happy seeing the success story of the marathon race, and the world class organisation since the first edition, adding that Lagosians should expect another event that will be the talk of the town on Saturday in the city of Lagos.

“I know why I am filled with joy. The support was massive from the major sponsor, Access Bank to the numerous sponsors that have not let us down in this journey. I welcome all the runners with humility, and I am so much proud,” Olopade said .

Amaechi Michael Okobi, the Chief Brand and Communications Officer for Access Corporation remarked at the press conference that the successful organisation of the marathon over the years showed that credible thing can come from Africa and indeed Nigeria, adding that though there was skepticism eight years ago, the grace of God has made it happened while the world could see the success and rapid growth of the competition today.

“I want to say that the gold label status is just the beginning of where the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is going. Sonner than we expected, the race will go further up to be in all major calendars of marathon races in the world,” Okobi said.