Events

Enugu announces date for Coal City Marathon

Published

3 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.”

Up Next

Lagos Hosts Historic Gaming Expo to Drive Economic Growth

Don't Miss

Barrifest 2024 holds in Ibadan

Click to comment

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.