
8th Warri/Effurun Marathon: Bozimo, the Peace-Keeper…
By Chris Onokpegu
Before now, Warri was known for crime and notorious activities ranging from militancy, kidnapping, stealing/armed robbery, war amongst the tribes, but today, that cannot be said of that city in Delta State.
Warri is now peaceful courtesy of some notable people from that area and one of them is Barrister (Mrs) Joyce Bozimo, the organiser of Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon.
Barr. Joyce Bozimo, the wife of former Minister of Police Affairs, Broderick Bozimo, who both believe in peace introduced the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon, eight years ago, to engage the youths of that area in sports, which no doubt is a unifying factor.
The lawyer and sports enthusiast who is not relenting, is already preparing to organize the eighth edition November 25. She believes that sports and by extension, Marathon, will make peace to continue to reign in the area and will also help to improve or promote economic growth.
There is no doubt that more hidden talents would be discovered in this year’s event as it has always been. The talents discovered, when nurtured, will not only represent the State and country but also get recognition and earn a living at continental or International stage.
The 10-km race will also attract people from all walks of life and the residents of Warri will be the beneficiaries because the visitors will lodge in hotels, patronise eateries, board taxis or buses and also recreate at different points.
By so doing, the revenue of the State will improve, apart from individuals who might also make money from patronages from the visitors. And to crown it all, the name of Warri and Delta State will be the talk of town, around the world during that period for the good reasons.
However, Barr. Bozimo wants government and corporate bodies operating in Warri and its environs to capitalize on the peace they are enjoying to invest more on sports.
She is optimistic that if companies channel part of their profits into sponsorships of sporting activities, the youths will be engaged in positive activities and the place will be peaceful for everyone to live.
According to her, “Businesses and sports will not thrive if there is no peace, so I am using sports as an avenue to bring about peace in Warri and environs.
“So we are appealing to corporate bodies and private individuals to come and assist us. Most importantly, we want people who went to school here like Urhobo College, Hussey College, Federal Government College, Our Ladys high school, Government College, Ughelli and who are doing well in their various professions and businesses to come and partner with us to give back. We have so many prominent people who are products from various schools in Warri and Effurun who are doing very well, they should not turn their backs on Warri.”
Mrs Bozimo also believes that organizing the Marathon is an avenue for all tribes which have been enemies in the past to come together, to wine and dine together once again. She said, “The Marathon has nothing to do with tribe. It has nothing to do with Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko or Ibo. We want to work with everybody; we want to play and laugh together with all the tribes in Warri and environs so that we can live in peace and attract development.
“Sports does not recognise colour, religion or who you are. We are all the same when it comes to sports. We are using this avenue to bring about peace and unity and also to raise future champions.
The annual event started in 2016, and this year’s event will be the eighth edition. The past editions have always been like a Carnival and this year’s event will not be an exemption. According to her, “It is going to be like a festival where all the musicians will be playing after the Marathon Race.”
“This year, we are planning to invite our big comedians and I think their presence will encourage a lot of young ones especially this period when many people are being discouraged with the way things are in the country today. We have invited a lot of people,” she noted.
Some sports enthusiasts especially indigenes, are happy with the organization of the Marathon because it has not only sustain peace in Warri and its environs but has also given some people an opportunity to make money and probably discover marathoner(s) from that part of the country, a race that is only known with the people from East Africa.
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