The winners from Bakassi
By Anietie Akpan
A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Talents-Afrique Reservoir Foundation has once again taken its awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS through School Sports in Cross River State.
This year’s tournament was a 10.5km race, held along the Calabar Carnival route, formed part of the NGO’s annual campaign to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS through school sports and health advocacy and it marked the 8th edition with 15 secondary schools participating across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State.
Students from Bakassi LGA, swept all podium positions at this year’s World AIDS Day Quarter Marathon, organised by the Talents-Afrique Reservoir Foundation, led by Dr. Daniel Okwoche.
For the second consecutive year, Patient Effiong of Government Secondary School, Bakassi, emerged champion in the girls’ category. The SS3 student said she was “very, very happy” to defend her title.
“I took first last year. This year too, I took first. And I have more assurance that I’m going to do it again next year,” she said, crediting her success to a senior state athlete who mentors her. She also thanked her parents for believing in her, saying, “God bless them for keeping hope in me.”
In the boys’ category, Delight Okon of Rainbow High School, took first place after finishing second last year.
“I feel very happy to win this year’s marathon. Last year I took second, so I trained harder. I give glory to God and to my coach, ” he said.
Okon, who is inspired by athletes he follows online, expressed hopes of becoming a professional long-distance runner. He urged organisers to “keep bringing more athletes from other states” and strengthening the competition.
Blessing Offiong of Rainbow High School once again took second place in the girls’ category, repeating her 2023 feat.
“I’m so happy. I know God has blessed me with second,” she said, urging organisers to “continue with the tournament every year.”
In the boys’ second-place category, Zion Ekpo of Rainbow High School moved up from fourth to second this year. He thanked his parents for supporting him and said his dream for 2025 is simple: “To take first position.”
The girls’ third position went to first-time participant Blessing Bassey of Diamond Grammar College, Bakassi.
In the boys’ category, Lawrence Okon of Government Secondary School, Ikang Central, improved from fourth place last year to finish third.
Speaking after the event, founder Dr. Daniel Okwoche said this year’s edition recorded about 15 participating schools from Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Akamkpa.
He noted that while turnout was lower due to economic constraints, Bakassi schools swept all trophies for the first time.
“They took everything this year,” he said. “Maybe because of the remoteness of their schools, the children tend to be stronger on the race.”
Dr. Okwoche also highlighted the long-term impact of the program, noting that several past participants are now professional athletes, footballers, or referees.
“One of them represented Nigeria in Kenya at an African Championship. Others are playing football abroad, and some are now football referees. I sponsor about three of them currently,” he said.
He encouraged the young athletes to remain committed despite economic challenges: “Be consistent. One day an opportunity will come.”
The annual quarter marathon continues to serve as both an HIV/AIDS sensitization platform and a springboard for emerging athletic talent in Cross River State.
