Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) is working with investors to develop a high-altitude training site in the country’s rift valley, according to Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Speaking exclusively to Persecondnews in Abuja on Tuesday, Dikko explained that investors are eager to build a sporting economy around the proposed facility, which is expected to attract athletes from all over the world.
This initiative aligns with the upcoming World Athletics Africa Road Running Conference in Lagos, which aims to unlock opportunities for the development of sporting cities across Nigeria.
“We had a meeting with some investors who want to invest in one of the high altitude regions in Nigeria,” Dikko said.
“The investors are willing to create a city, not just a training site, which will unlock more opportunities for development of sporting cities in Nigeria.”
Dikko said that the development of the site will go beyond just providing a training facility.
“The training site in Taraba state, it will take you seven hours to climb to the top, it is 300 hectares for you to make a proper training site, you have to create an economy around there,” he said.
“Since the 70s nobody had done anything about this site, but we are willing to create a city not just a training site. The upcoming Conference in Lagos will unlock more opportunities for development of sporting cities in Nigeria,” Dikko added.
The NSC is committed to developing the sports sector, and the upcoming conference is expected to attract more investors to the country.
The Rift Valley region in Kenya is renowned for producing elite runners who dominate marathons worldwide.
Iten, a town situated nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in western Kenya, is particularly notable for its high-altitude training conditions.
Many Kenyan runners who train and live in this region have gone on to achieve great success in international competitions.
Training at high altitudes is believed to contribute significantly to the success of Kenyan runners.
The lower air pressure at high altitudes forces the body to adapt by improving its ability to transport and use oxygen.
This allows athletes to perform better at lower elevations.
John Onywera, a Kenyan sports expert, said:”Training at high altitudes contributes to a running dominance that makes running at lower elevation child’s play.”
Iten has become a magnet for runners from around the world who seek to tap into the benefits of high-altitude training.
The town’s high-altitude training conditions, coupled with its scenic beauty and supportive community, make it an ideal location for athletes looking to improve their performance.
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