Campaign Story

The Gwara Marathon Race 2025, with the theme Race to Health, is an annual event carried out in the Gwara community in the Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. This event draws youths from all walks to the community during the festive season. 

The race is designed as a strategic initiative to engage, empower, and inspire the youth of Gwara Community and the Ogoni region, addressing restiveness and promoting positive development. The key objectives include:

1. Youth Engagement & Positive Recreation 🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️

• Provide a structured and productive activity to channel youthful energy.
• Reduce involvement in negative behaviors such as crime, violence, and drug abuse.

2. Promotion of Unity & Social Cohesion 🤝

• Foster a spirit of togetherness among the youth, breaking barriers of division.
• Encourage teamwork and sportsmanship, strengthening community bonds.

3. Health & Wellness Awareness 💪

• Promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among young people.
• Raise awareness about mental and emotional well-being through sports. A health expert will be invited to carry out a talk on mental health and will carry out blood pressure checks for community members.

4. Skill Development & Leadership Training 🎯

• Teach discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting through marathon participation.
• Identify and nurture athletic talents for future opportunities in sports.

5. Economic & Tourism Growth 💰🌍

• Attract visitors, media, and investors to showcase the potential of Ogoni communities.
• Boost local businesses through event-related commerce and sponsorships.

6. Advocacy for Peace & Sustainable Development 🌱

• Use the marathon as a platform to promote peace, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
• Engage stakeholders (government, NGOs, and businesses) in long-term youth development programs.