July 05, (THEWILL) – In an effort to combat further destruction of Nigeria’s mangrove systems, the renowned environmental advocacy organisation, Mangrove Marathon, is set to host a 10-kilometre Eco-run in Lekki, Lagos.
The race, scheduled for July 29, aims to raise awareness and encourage public involvement in the conservation of vital mangrove forests. Nigeria has already lost nearly 40% of its mangrove cover due to human activities, posing a threat to both the environment and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The event, sponsored by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lekki Local Council, among others, will unite athletes from across the country to contribute towards the protection and restoration of these crucial ecosystems.
To preserve the mangroves, which play a pivotal role in human well-being and the sustainability of coastal regions, Mangrove Marathon’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jerry Chidi, stressed the significance of collective responsibility.
As a result, the marathon’s sponsorship benefits will be directed towards notable mangrove conservation and forest recovery projects, including the Falcorp Mangrove Park, the Ecopark Mangrove Sanctuary and Research Center, the NCF Green Recovery Project, the Institute of Mangrove Ecology, the Plant a Mangrove Project, and MangroveeXpo.
The urgent need for the Eco-awareness run in Lagos stems from the area’s industrial development, which threatens the mangrove-rich environment. Industries such as the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Seaport, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and other related establishments require the mangroves’ carbon absorption, coastal protection, and livelihood sustenance benefits.
David Omawumi, the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the marathon, said: “The marathon is a community-based initiative. The LOC is pushing the marathon to 21 km by next year and 42 km by 2025 to attract international participants.”
The event offers substantial prize money, with N5 million allocated for the Mangrove Run, including N1 million for the first prize in both male and female categories, followed by N500,000 for the second prize and N250,000 for the third prize, with varying amounts for subsequent participants. While winning is not the sole focus, the event aims to encourage individuals to make a positive contribution to nature and the environment.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
