Residents and business owners in Ikom and Agbokim communities of Cross River State have expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the 2025 Agbokim Green Marathon by the state government.
The decision, announced on Thursday by Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Cross River State Government, was reportedly due to security concerns.
The 42-kilometre marathon was scheduled to start at the Ikom Township Stadium and finish at Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung Local Government Area.
Locals, however, questioned the justification, noting that the communities have remained peaceful and secure. Vendors in Ikom said the cancellation dashed their hopes of enjoying the festive atmosphere and generating income from the event.
Stanley Ntangha, a trader at the Ikom Township Stadium, explained that many vendors had reserved spaces and stocked their shops in anticipation of the marathon.
“We were expecting a surge in business as the event would attract both local and international athletes along with spectators,” he said. “The cancellation has been a major setback, and we cannot understand the reasoning since the area is safe.”
Tasen Odima described the news as shocking, urging the state government to reconsider and allow the marathon to proceed. “We invested a lot of money and effort in preparation. This cancellation is disheartening and discouraging for small business owners like us,” he said.
Bryan Dwomoh, a sports manager from Ghana who arrived with two Kenyan athletes, called the cancellation demoralising. “The morale and focus of the athletes have been negatively affected, and all the preparations have gone to waste,” he added.
Edem Udomiyang, founder of the Agbokim Marathon, noted that the organisers have suffered financial losses and risk damaging the event’s brand image. “Several private sector partners that had committed support have now withdrawn due to this sudden cancellation,” he said.
He explained that the marathon, which began in 2024, aimed to promote grassroots sports development, boost tourism, support local economies, and encourage forest preservation.