Events

Enugu announces date for Coal City Marathon

Published

2 years ago

March 27, 2024

The Enugu State Government is set to hold the Coal City Marathon on May 4, 2024 as part of an effort to promote sporting culture and fitness in the state.

Llyod Ekweremadu, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, disclosed this during the State Executive Council meeting.

Ekweremadu, who said the half marathon would traverse the city and parks, encouraged lovers of sports to seize the opportunity by registering for the marathon regardless of whether they are professionals or amateurs.

He stressed at the briefing on Monday in Enugu that the idea was meant to revive the spirit of the “huge sporting culture” the state was known for.

The Commissioner further disclosed that there would be various prizes to be won by participants, adding that both male and female winners would go home with the sum of N1 million each.

According to him, the first and second runners-up in both categories will be clinching the sum of N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.

The Commissioner also added that there would be consolation prizes.

Ekweremadu said: “Enugu is becoming the premier destination for sports tourism in the region.

“It is a half marathon that will traverse the city.

“It is an opportunity for us to invite everyone, every lover of sports, regardless of your level of participation in long distance running, whether you are an elite marathoner or an amateur.

“So, our people should take advantage of it and get registered.

“Registration is open and the website will soon be open for those outside the state.”

Ekweremadu further revealed that Rangers Football Club would be hosting rival clubs at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in matches under the floodlight because of the installation of modern facilities at the stadium.

He stated that the night football match was made possible due to improved security, which had already put the state on the map as the most secure and peaceful state in Nigeria.

The Commissioner explained that the first match under floodlight was played at the stadium last week after many years, adding: “Nightlife in Enugu State is back and we are elated about that.

“We are happy we were able to host the finals of the Ball Ogbe at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

“It was the first night match we had at the stadium in several years.

“It’s just to test our facilities.

“We also appreciate the governor for the support he has been giving towards the remodelling and the modernisation of Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium.

“Enugu is steadily becoming a premier destination for sports and tourism.

“So, people from all over the place can come here, host their sports events, and enjoy the hospitality and the sports culture that we have here.”

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 days ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”