From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
As part of the activities to mark the 13th convocation ceremony of Godfrey Okoye University,Enugu, the management organised an open marathon race ,which started from Thinkers Corner Enugu Campus of the University to Ugwuomu Nike campus, a distance of more than 21 kilometers.
It was an open marathon to every young man and woman, who feels fit to participate in the context.
Godfey Okoye University management provided cash prizes for the first, second and third finishers of N500,000 naira, N200,000 and N100,000 for both the male and female categories.
Consolation prizes of N20,000 each for the 4th to 20th runners up,in both the male and female categories.
There was an exceptional record of a 12 years old girl,Miss Precious Ugwu, from Queens Secondary School Nsukka, who completed the over 21 kilometer marathon race. She was among the first twenty in the female category.
The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev.Prof.Christian Anieke, announced a cash gift of N200,000 to her for setting that record.
Addressing newsnen thereafter, Rev.Prof.Anieke said the idea of introducing a day for marathon race as part of one week activities to mark the convocation ceremony of the University is in it’s second edition and very unique to Godfey Okoye University..He stated that in addition to promoting active and exciting life on the students, it will help them to inculcate character and zeal to excell in their academic activities and other human endeavours thereafter.
He said the marathon race is also helping to discover talents since it is not limited to students of Godfrey Okoye University.
Rev.Prof.Anieke observed that students from Queens Secondary School Nsukka,produced the greatest number of winners in the female category in the 2024 edition and this year too. He concluded that the event is also exposing future champions,stating that the Commissioner for Youths and Sports,Enugu state,Barr.Lloyd Ekweremadu will note the records.
Outside the marathon race, Rev.Prof.Anieke said the 13th Convocation ceremony of the University will feature award of certificates to 660 graduands,who excelled in their various courses out of which 22 made first class honours.
There will also be talk shows and other varities and will be rounded up on Sunday, with a Thanksgiving mass.
