Ethiopians sweep top prizes in maiden Yenagoa International 10km Race
Ethiopian marathoners, yesterday, swept the top prizes at the Maiden Yenagoa City International 10km Race. Ethiopia’s Habtamu Birhane Molla won the first prize of $5,000 in the Men’s category, breasting
- From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Yenagoa
Ethiopian marathoners, yesterday, swept the top prizes at the Maiden Yenagoa City International 10km Race.
Ethiopia’s Habtamu Birhane Molla won the first prize of $5,000 in the Men’s category, breasting the tape within 29 minutes 23 seconds.
Two Nigerians were second and third as 17-year-old Gang James, a native of Plateau State, who just finished from Victory Academy High School, Jos, clocked 29 minutes 59 seconds to smile home with $3,000, while Francis James followed with 30 minutes 16 seconds to cart home $2,000. Nigerians also finished 4th and 5th.
In the women's category, it was a clean sweep for Ethiopian athletes, namely, Shewaye Tolosa, Tigist Girma Arseta, and Worke Gacasho Jilo, who carted the first, second, and third prizes.
The first Nigerian was Daylop Patience, who was 4th in 35.07.66 secs, just as another Nigerian, Vivian Nenyitwe Obadiaha, finished 5th in 35.07.66 secs.
Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri, assured his administration will invest in sports development to allow youths to actualize their potential.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, he underscored the immense benefits of sports and fitness, which, according to him helps citizens to be healthy, aiding them to be free from illnesses and diseases.
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While congratulating the organizers, the State Ministry of Sports and participants, he noted that the Yenagoa City International 10km Race, 2026 has projected Bayelsa to the world while providing a good image for the State.
He said his administration would continue to accord priority to sports, stressing that sports mobilize individuals in mass participation and provides career path for sportsmen and women for global recognition.
He advised the athletes to be committed to continuous training to become great sportsmen and Olympians like the state Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali.
