ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon: A News Sports for Unity, Youth Empowerment, and Regional Collaboration
By Raymond Enoch
The streets of Abuja came alive on March 1, 2025, as the inaugural ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon ushered in a new era of sports, unity, and youth empowerment.
The event, held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), attracted athletes, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts from across the continent. It stood as a testament to the power of sports to foster regional integration, encourage gender equality, and empower the youth.
With a total prize pool of over $71,000, the marathon featured a 21-kilometer half-marathon and a 5-kilometer fun run. The competitive atmosphere of the event was matched by a spirit of unity, as participants from across West Africa came together to celebrate athleticism and regional cooperation.
Distinguished figures graced the occasion, signaling the significance of the event within the ECOWAS framework. Mr. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, H.E. Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, H.E. Sedikou Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalization, and Amb. Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, were among the notable attendees. Representing ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mme Messandje Touré Litsé, was Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, adding further notable figures at the occasion.
The marathon’s success was underscored by the exceptional athletic performances of participants from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana, who clinched the top positions in both the half-marathon and fun run categories. Their victories highlighted not only individual excellence but also the region’s shared potential for greatness in sports. More than just a race, the marathon proved to be an illustration of the importance of collaboration and engagement in achieving regional development.
The event’s broader purpose, however, was evident in the powerful messages conveyed by its leaders. “This marathon is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of our shared values of unity, empowerment, and the potential of youth in driving positive change across West Africa,” said H.E. Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr in her remarks during the event.
ECOWAS has long recognized the role of sports in strengthening community ties, and the Abuja International Marathon is an embodiment of this commitment. The event also served as a platform to advocate for gender equality, as women from across the region competed alongside their male counterparts, breaking barriers and encouraging young girls to aspire to their fullest potential.
In a statement to the media, Amb. Francis Chuks Njoaguani expressed that “This marathon is not just about speed or endurance; it is about bringing together people, cultures, and nations to build a stronger, more united West Africa.”
As the marathon concluded and participants celebrated their hard-earned accomplishments, the message was clear: through sports, ECOWAS has set a new standard for collaboration, inclusivity, and youth empowerment in the region. The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon marks a historic step toward strengthening ties and achieving the shared goals of a prosperous and united West Africa.
As the final runners crossed the finish line, the true victory was not just for the athletes but for the spirit of unity and empowerment that will propel the ECOWAS community toward greater heights in the years to come.
