Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore picked up his running kit for the upcoming ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon on Tuesday in Abuja and immediately challenged President Bola Tinubu to participate in the competition.

After collecting his kit sand bib, Sowore commended ECOWAS for the marathon initiative, describing it as “the best thing anyone can do” by embracing exercise and the culture of running.

He added that since taking up running, his health had improved tremedously, making him a “better person.”

However, while praising ECOWAS for taking a step in the right direction, Sowore noted that President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, hadn’t yet indicated his participation in either the half marathon or the 5km fun race. “As of now, there’s no sign of his (Tinubu) bib or participation. We can’t have the ECOWAS marathon in Nigeria without the chairman of the sub-regional body participating.”

He urged the President to join him and thousands of other runners at the starting line, setting an inspiring example for the entire nation

Sowore, a seasoned marathoner with global experience, including the New York Marathon, believes that leaders must lead by example, adding that “walking the talk” is the most impactful way to do so.

He argued that if President Tinubu actively encouraged running and participated in the ECOWAS marathon, it would inspire countless Nigerians to follow suit, leading to a healthier nation and potentially reducing healthcare costs for the government.

Meanwhile, organisers have enjoined all registered and intending participants to come to the Eagle Square to collect their running kits, number bibs and goodie bags.

Saturday’s half-marathon will begin at 7:00am in front of the ECOWAS Secretariat, while the 5km fun race starts at Bannex Plaza at 7.30am with both races climaxing at Eagles
Square.