.Both to pocket N500,000 each
Clinton Amara (male) and Esther Affigbo (female) have emerged as the inaugural winners of the 2025 Imo Youth Marathon with the theme Running for Peace after they came tops in the male and female categories of the event held in Owerri on Saturday.
The two will thus pocket the sum of N500,000 each for their effort while still in the men’s cadre, Augustine Azubuike breasted the tape in second place while Adetiba Micheal finished in third position.
Meanwhile for the Women, besides Esther Affigbo that won the marathon race, Jacinta Elias finished in the second position among others.
Besides the N500,000 each prize money for the men’s and women’s winners, there were consolation prizes for the rest that finished in the top 20.
The event, Imo Youth Marathon 2025, themed “Running for Peace” was powered by the Commissioner for Youths, Talents Hunt and Creativity, Hon. Dr Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu with the blessing of the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma who commissioned the youthful Commissioner to go to the nooks and crannies of the state and ensure the youths are kept busy and away from nefarious activities.
The marathon brought together young talented Imo youths, united by the spirit of peace, fitness, and community development. Renowned actor and musician Harry B was present to entertain and thrill participants and spectators alike. The event reached its peak as winners emerged, celebrated for their endurance, passion, and sportsmanship.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Mandela Ukaegbu said ” That the programme started three weeks ago when his ministry was mandated by the executive Governor of Imo State Distinguish Senator, Hope Uzodinma to go round all the Local Government Areas in the state to spread the message of peace, engage and empower everyone, more especially the youths.”
He continued, ” We kicked off the peace campaign and today is the grand finale which is the Imo Youth Marathon tagged Running for
Peace. Today we have been able to inform the world that Imo State is peaceful, safe and friendly for businesses to thrive. I am calling on investors to utilize this opportunity and invest in the state.”
“The total prize money is ₦1M where the first female will pocket ₦500,000.00 and the first male will go home with ₦500,000.00 while there will be consolation prizes for the first 20 and non cash prizes for the first 50 youths in the marathon race.”
On the safety and health of the participants, the commissioner said, ” All participants have been tested and declared fit to run, this was done by members of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Imo State chapter, while the Federal Road Safety Corps. FRSC is on ground to organise and ensure that there is free flow of traffic during the race.”
According to him, “the executive Governor of Imo State, Sen. Uzodinma has given the nod for this event to continue with all the support from him,my ministry will ensure that it will take place next year as directed by the Pan Nigerian youth governor.”
It was truly a memorable day—one that highlighted the power of youth and the promise of a peaceful future.
