CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Despite hosting and heavily investing in the 2nd edition of the Calabar Marathon Race for Sweet Prince 2025, Cross River State athletes failed to secure first-place victories.
Godsmine Godswill Eteng’s third-place finish in the female marathon category stood as the brightest spot for Cross River State in the 2nd edition of the Calabar Marathon Race for Sweet Prince 2025, as athletes from other states swept the top prizes, raising concerns about the state’s competitive preparedness.
The major sporting event draws participants from across 29 Nigerian states and four African countries, Cross Riverians were unable to secure top spots.
Eteng’s bronze medal—accompanied by a N300,000 reward—offered a glimpse of promise amid an otherwise underwhelming local showing.
From the perspective of collective value and public impact, the result highlights a significant gap between the state’s investment in hosting the event and the tangible benefits returned to its athletes and local sporting community.
The event featured over 1,000 competitors and offered prize money totaling N16 million, alongside return tickets to South Africa for top winners of Skate-a-thon.
Gang James Boyi of Plateau State and Charity Agofure of Delta State took the first prizes in the male and female categories of the marathon race respectively, each walking away with N1 million.
Agofure, who also won the 2024 edition, credited her success to discipline and professionalism. “The secret of my success is hard work. I do marathon racing professionally. Cross River did a good job organizing the event,” she said.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem, praised the event’s broader social mission, saying, “We are here to prove that as biting as the Nigerian economy is, we can still give out largesse. What your hand finds doing, do it well—there’s a day of recompense.”
He lauded the governor’s efforts under the “People First” mantra, calling Cross River “a unique state” capable of competing globally.
He also extended an employment promise to NYSC members serving in the state.
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Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, the governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, acknowledged the performance gap, stating, “There’s work in progress.
“Cross Riverians have had inconsistencies in participating in various sports.” He added that the administration was focused on building youth capacity in mental, social, and physical wellness through such platforms.
National Inline Skating Federation Chairman and event organizer Mr. Damilola Daniel expressed gratitude for the governor’s approval, commending the turnout and smooth execution. “We had over 1,000 skaters this year. This is a huge success,” he said.
Still, for the host state, success must go beyond hospitality and participation.
Godsmine Eteng’s determination and podium finish serve as a wake-up call and a reminder that sustained investment in talent development—not just event hosting—is essential to translate celebration into victory and ensure lasting value for the community.