Plateau State Athletes Gang, Lydia Win 6th Edition of Governor Diri Marathon in Yenagoa

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, february 2026

James Gang and Lydia Akusho, both representing Plateau State, emerged champions in the male and female categories of the sixth edition of the Senator Douye Diri Marathon, popularly known as the SDD Marathon, held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Gang clinched the men’s title with an impressive time of 30:58 seconds, emerging winner from a field of 503 registered athletes, out of which 207 participated. His compatriot, Francis James of Plateau State, finished second with a time of 32:05.87, while Ismael Sadjo of Cross River State came third, clocking 32:14.31.

In the women’s category, Akusho Lydia of Plateau State dominated the race, finishing first with a time of 38:30.37 seconds to claim the star prize of ₦1,000,000. Fellow Plateau athlete Vivian Obediah placed second in 38:52.78 seconds, earning ₦500,000, while Tanko Iyanj, also of Plateau State, finished third in 38:54.84 seconds, going home with ₦300,000.

In the teen male category, Andrew Richard of Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS) emerged winner, with Okenema Samuel of Community Secondary School, Okutukutu finishing second, and Chinedu Deindein of BDGS taking third place. All participants in the teen category were rewarded, with the remaining runners receiving ₦100,000 each for their participation.

The female teen category saw Igbeita Innocent of Divine International School finishing first, followed by Alex Sunshine in second place and Yebiboh Favour in third.
Speaking at the event, a visibly elated Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended the convener of the marathon, Mr. Igbeita Odonkumo, for sustaining the initiative. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to using sports as a veritable tool for youth engagement and development in the state.

Governor Diri urged the eight local government chairmen in Bayelsa State to organize marathons in their respective local government areas, which would feed into the SDD Marathon, with the aim of discovering talents from rural communities. According to him, the local government marathons would commence in 2027, and outstanding athletes would be sent to the Ministry of Sports Development ahead of future editions of the SDD Marathon.

While congratulating the winners and participants for their resilience and determination, the governor disclosed that Bayelsa State would host an international marathon in April, describing the state as a growing multi-sports hub. He also announced an increase in the prize money for subsequent editions, with winners set to receive ₦2,000,000, noting that sports have evolved beyond entertainment into a lucrative venture.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali, explained that the annual marathon was designed to enhance the endurance and speed of Bayelsa’s distance runners. He added that the sixth edition recorded remarkable improvements compared to previous outings.

The convener of the marathon, Mr. Igbeita Odonkumo, described sports as the world’s biggest unifier, noting that the SDD Marathon continues to foster national unity. He revealed that this year’s edition recorded international participation for the first time, adding that the event’s success would not have been possible without Governor Diri’s unwavering passion for sports development.

In separate interviews, both champions, James Gang and Akusho Lydia, expressed gratitude to the organizers for sustaining the marathon and providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents.