LAGOS CITY MARATHON, 2016

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. AKINWUNMI AMBODE, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AT THE FINISH POINT OF THE 2016 LAGOS CITY MARATHON AT ATLANTIC CITY, LAGOS ON SATURDAY 6^TH FEBRUARY, 2016.

Protocols,

Lagos State is glad to host athletes from different parts of the world today as we flag off theLagos City Marathon. On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I welcome you all

I welcome especially the IAAF First Vice President, Kalbaka Malboum, and the Gold, Silver and Bronze labelled runners who have come to participate in our marathon. We are greatly encouraged by the interest generated by this event and look forward to becoming an IAAF Gold Label race soon.

This is a historic moment as Lagos joins major cities in the world to promotethe marathon. The last time this event held was 30years ago. I stand here to tell you today that this event is here to stay. We are committed to sustaining this event and ensuringconsistent improvementto make it one of the best marathons in the world.

As a government, we are determined to make Lagos the hub of sports in Africa. We will embrace other international sports and Lagos will bid to host Continental and International sports tournaments.

With this we shall; beyond the competition, showcase our State to the global community as a choicedestination for tourism and investment.

On this note, I wish to express huge appreciation to our sponsors, especially Access Bank, the Honourable Minister of Sports, the Athletics Federation and all our stakeholders especially volunteers and key officials. Thank you so much.

Once again, the Lagos marathon is here to stay.

Thank you.

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

Governor of Lagos State,

6^thFebruary, 2016.