As part of its recognition of the importance of health to nation building and its commitment to community investment and project financing, Keystone Bank Limited recently threw its weight behind the maiden edition of the Valuejet IAU African Championship, Remo 2019 competition.
The event is the brainchild of Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) and it was organised to promote fitness and healthy living amongst Nigerians.
Some of the dignitaries at the 50km ultra-distance race event held on Saturday December 7, 2019 at Sagamu, Ogun State, were the state Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun; President of IAU in Africa, Mr Solomon Ogba; Executive Director, Keystone Bank, Yemi Odusoya; ex- Nigeria athlete, Mrs Falilat Ogunkoya amongst others.
The race, which took off at the Gateway International Stadium, was spiced by Nigerian musical artistes like CDQ, Slimcase and Naira Marley.
About 4000 athletes from across 35 IAU member countries participated in the race, which was the first African championship in IAU’s 35-year history.
The three-in-one championship had winners in both foreign and local categories, who pocketed $2,000, while the second and the third placed runners received $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
For the Nigerian local five-kilometre run, the winner received N500,000, runner-up N300,000, while the second runner-up went home with N150,000.
Managing Director of NSML, Mr Bukola Olopade, said the race was one of the company’s numerous ways to create bond among Nigerians and the world at large.
“The ultra-marathon is first of its kind in Africa and we are elated that our company is responsible for bringing youths together to harness their talents.
“Valuejet IAU African Championships is a trendsetter. The ultra-race has set an excellent example for ultra-running on the continent,” he stated.
Commenting on the bank’s involvement in the event, executive director of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr Yemi Odusanya said the lender recognises the importance of health to nation building.
“A healthy workforce is considered the most productive workforce. Good health is critical to economic development and therefore, health remains one of our core CSR pillars in the bank. Keystone Bank will continually strive to promote advanced healthcare in Nigeria.
“The competition showcases the bank’s commitment to community investment and project financing.
“Therefore, sponsoring the Valuejet IAU African Championship, Remo 2019 competition is in line with our vision to promote a healthier nation as a whole,” he said.
Nilayo Sports Management is a sports management and marketing company, working with some of the biggest names in the world of sports like IAAF, CAA and AFN aimed at promoting sporting activities from grassroots level to international level in Africa, Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers.
Modupe Gbadeyanka