Kenya's Sabastian Sawe wins London Marathon in record-breaking time, Tigst Assefa sets new women's world record
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe won the London Marathon, breaking the two-hour mark for the first time in history with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, and Uganda's Jacob Kiplomo was third in 2:00:28. All three runners finished under the previous men's world record of 2:00:35. In the women's race, Tigst Assefa smashed her own women’s-only world record, winning in 2:15:41, nine seconds faster than her previous best. Kenya's Hellen Obiri placed second with a personal best of 2:15:53, followed by Joyciline Jepkosgei. The 46th London Marathon saw over 59,000 participants and raised a record £87.3 million for charity.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Federal Government and Kwara State Government are intensifying social protection efforts, with over 460,000 households benefiting from the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme. This was announced during a visit by Dr. Bernard M. Doro, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to Ilorin. The engagement brought together federal and state officials, development partners, and beneficiaries from across the state's 16 local government areas. Dr. Doro commended Kwara State for its strong implementation and commitment, calling the program a critical pillar in Nigeria's poverty reduction strategy and a model for federal-state collaboration. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and data-driven targeting to reach vulnerable households and urged beneficiaries to use funds judiciously. The Minister assured continued federal commitment to scaling humanitarian interventions. Mariam Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, highlighted the program's alignment with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's vision for social inclusion, particularly for orphans, vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. She noted that the HOPE-CT program has reached over 183,000 households in the first phase, 139,000 in the second, and 141,000 in the third. Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, stated that over 463,000 households are expected to benefit. Dr. AbdulWasiu Tejidini, Acting General Manager of KWASSIP, noted Kwa
Omoyele Sowore, activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, explained his decision to decline an invitation to an opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State. Sowore stated that Nigerians deserve a credible alternative rather than a recycling of what he described as failed political actors. In a post on X, he dismissed the gathering as lacking substance, arguing that many attendees had contributed to Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized that his party, the African Action Congress, would not associate with what he termed a deceptive political arrangement designed to recycle failed political actors. Sowore maintained his focus on building a people-driven movement rooted in accountability and integrity, and criticized major political parties for representing the same political culture. The summit, held at the Oyo State Government House, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde. Other attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Organizers stated the summit aimed to strengthen coordination among opposition parties and chart a common front for future elections.
Oghene Egoh, a former member of the House of Representatives for Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his administration's progress in road infrastructure and economic reforms. Speaking in Lagos, Egoh highlighted the government's commitment to national development through strategic projects and policy interventions. He specifically mentioned the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative initiative for coastal connectivity, tourism, and trade, and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway for strengthening North-South trade routes and agricultural logistics. Egoh also noted the advancements on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, and the Bodo-Bonny Road. He commended the use of reinforced concrete pavement for major highways, anticipating improved durability and reduced maintenance costs. Regarding economic policy, Egoh stated that Tinubu's reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments, are establishing a foundation for long-term stability despite immediate challenges. He urged Nigerians to be patient, expressing confidence that the benefits of these reforms and investments will become apparent in the future.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas stated he would not support violence or bloodshed in his pursuit of a second term, emphasizing that his political future would be determined by the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Governor Kefas highlighted that public opinion would guide his reelection approach, asserting that leaders must be accountable to citizens rather than driven by a desperate quest for power. He indicated a willingness to accept rejection if the electorate is dissatisfied with his performance, stating he would rather step down than allow bloodshed. Governor Kefas reflected on his political journey, noting that his emergence as governor was influenced by timing, alignment, and past decisions, and urged politicians to trust the process. He also mentioned his administration's focus on building a lasting legacy for Taraba State, which he said was created over 29 years ago. Upon assuming office, Governor Kefas identified the absence of a developmental master plan as a major setback, despite the state's rich natural resources. To address this, his administration developed a comprehensive development plan for the entire state. Governor Kefas defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in January 2026, explaining that this decision was made in the best interest of Taraba.