World Athletics confers Nigeria with Hosting Rights for inaugural Africa Running Conference

World Athletics confers Nigeria with Hosting Rights for inaugural Africa Running Conference

In line with the adage, “A healthy nation is a prosperous nation,” the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is proud to host the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos.

This landmark event aims to promote health, fitness, and athletic excellence while driving increased participation, talent discovery, and private sector engagement. It also positions Nigeria as a key player in the global sports ecosystem.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko highlighted the vision behind the conference, emphasizing that it aligns closely with the Commission’s long-term goals and the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to elevate Nigeria’s sports economy.

“First and foremost, this conference is a reflection of our vision, the vision of the NSC and that of President Tinubu, to create a thriving sports ecosystem where sport is not just for recreation, but becomes a significant driver of national economic development.
One of the core pillars of this strategy is to host more international sporting events across all disciplines. This is essential to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s domestic sports industry. So when the opportunity to host the Africa Running Conference came up, we embraced it wholeheartedly,” he added.

Dikko stressed that road running represents a unique comparative advantage for Nigeria.

“With the right focus and intentional development, the possibilities are immense.
Thanks to the groundwork laid by our Director General and other stakeholders, the excitement has spread from Lagos to Abuja, Kaduna to Enugu. Every state now wants to be involved.
This growing momentum tells us that Nigeria has what it takes to sustain and scale this movement.”

He noted that hosting a global conference of this magnitude will not only raise awareness about road running in Nigeria but also spark increased participation, talent discovery, and private sector involvement.

“This conference is about much more than running, it’s about passion, potential, and progress. It will create followership, attract sponsorship, showcase our culture, and promote Nigeria’s positive image globally.
We’re using this opportunity to invite the private sector not only to support this conference but to invest in road races and sporting initiatives across Nigeria.”

Also speaking, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade expressed pride and gratitude in welcoming the global sports community to Nigeria.

“Today, my task is simple — to welcome you all. And I do so with a heart full of gratitude and excitement.
For those who know my background, you’ll understand why this moment is so special. To see the NSC, in partnership with World Athletics and the AFN, successfully organize this groundbreaking conference is a significant milestone,” Olopade remarked.

He emphasized the broader impact of the event:

“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria and that speaks volumes. It shows that President Tinubu’s vision to galvanize sport into an economic tool is not just an idea; it’s already in motion. We’ve long said that Nigeria must move from being a consumption-driven sports nation to a production-driven one. Big events like this are steps in that direction.
For World Athletics to choose Lagos, over nations like Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa with historic races like the Kilimanjaro Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon shows their confidence in Nigeria and the reforms currently underway. These reforms extend beyond sport — they encompass housing, healthcare, and education.
I specifically mention healthcare because road running is deeply connected to wellness, education, and competition. That’s what this conference represents: a holistic approach to nation-building through sport.”

In his remarks, Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics, reaffirmed the organization’s strong backing for the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos.

He described the event as “many years in the making,” and a critical step toward building a sustainable running culture across the continent.

Reflecting on his early involvement with the Lagos City Marathon, Punzi recalled a serendipitous meeting in Monaco where he first heard about the race. Inspired by its potential, he committed to championing the event, which later earned the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label, a mark of global excellence in road racing.

Punzi emphasized that the conference is more than just hosting another international event. It represents a strategic move toward building a full ecosystem around road running in Africa, one that includes grassroots development, technical training, and year-round engagement.

He noted that the conference will feature two days of intensive technical workshops for national athletics federations across Africa, focusing on standardization, certification, and officiating.

Ultimately, the Africa Running Conference is more than a sporting event, it is a statement of intent, a call to action, and a celebration of the growing synergy between sport, health, education, and economic development in Nigeria.