The Lagos State Government has announced major traffic diversions across Ajegunle ahead of the Ajegunle City Youth Marathon scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 a.m. The announcement was made on Friday through the official X handle of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
The marathon is organised by the Society for Information and Human Advancement, a community-focused group known for promoting youth development, sports participation, and social engagement among young people in Lagos. The event is expected to attract hundreds of young athletes from across the Ajegunle community and neighbouring areas.
As with previous marathons hosted in the state, the Lagos government says the traffic measures are necessary to ensure the safety of participants and maintain order along the race route. Lagos is known for its heavy vehicular movement, and sports events—particularly road races—often require temporary road closures to avoid accidents.
According to the traffic advisory, several major and inner roads across Ajegunle will be partially closed during the marathon. These include:
Maracana Stadium axis
Ojoku Street
Baale Road
Kirikiri Road
Wilmer Link Bridge
Okito Street
Kopariwo Street
Mba/Cardoso Street
Baale Road (Secretariat)
Cemetery Street
Ojora Street
Baale Aiyetoro Street
Olowojeunjeje Street
Oduduwa Street
Layinka Street
Cemetery Road
Bakare Faro Street
Adejiyan Street
Ishaga Street
Onishapa Street
Itire Street
Ojo Road
The race will begin near the Maracana Stadium and end at Signal Barracks, which has been designated as the official finish point.
The Ministry of Transportation explained that these closures are not total shutdowns. Instead, they will be managed as partial closures to allow for controlled traffic flow. Access will be opened intermittently, depending on the movement of runners, the safety of road users, and general traffic conditions.
The Lagos government said several security and traffic management teams will be on ground to guide motorists and ensure safety throughout the duration of the marathon.
Officers will be drawn from:
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)
The Nigeria Police Force
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps
These organisations will be stationed at key intersections and access points from Maracana Stadium to Signal Barracks. Their role will include directing traffic, ensuring the marathon route remains clear, responding to emergencies, and preventing unauthorized movement along the race corridor.
The heavy deployment of personnel reflects the government’s intention to avoid traffic chaos, a problem commonly associated with major events in Lagos. Similar deployments were made during previous large-scale events such as the Lagos City Marathon and various community sports festivals.
To reduce delays and improve movement, the government advised motorists to use recommended alternative routes during the marathon.
For motorists coming from Berger/Apapa-Oshodi Expressway heading to Olodi Apapa via Kirikiri:
Turn right into Industrial Road
Connect Idewu Street
Move through Oluwa Street
Link Tolu Road
Rejoin Baale Road
For motorists coming from Suru-Alaba (Lagos-Badagry Expressway) heading to Gaskiya and Iganmu Roads:
A contraflow will be created along Cemetery Road
It will run from the Technoil turnoff to the roundabout
For motorists from Suru-Alaba moving towards Ojo Road: Turn left before Signal Barracks into Charles Avenue
Link Ligali Street
Continue through Evie Street
Join Abeje Street
Reconnect to Ojo Road
The ministry noted that these diversions were carefully selected based on traffic flow patterns and road capacity. They are meant to ease the movement of both residents and marathon organizers during the event.
The Lagos State Government assured residents that disruptions will be minimal. It added that the marathon has been structured to take place early in the morning to avoid major traffic build-up.
“Traffic officers will be strategically deployed to support movement, manage diversions, and guide motorists along recommended routes,” the ministry said.
The government also encouraged road users to remain patient and cooperate with officials throughout the event. According to the advisory, motorists are expected to follow road signs, obey diversion markings, and avoid restricted lanes.
In recent years, Lagos has witnessed a rise in community-based marathons and fitness events. Many of these races are organised by non-governmental organisations, youth groups, local councils, and private bodies seeking to promote health, fitness, and social cohesion.
The Ajegunle City Youth Marathon is one of such events aimed at encouraging young people to take part in sports and avoid social vices. Ajegunle, one of Lagos’ most densely populated communities, has a long history of producing notable athletes and entertainers. The organisers say the marathon is part of broader activities intended to empower young people and showcase talent.
Lagos itself has built a reputation as the sporting hub of Nigeria. The annual Lagos City Marathon attracts runners from across Africa and is one of the biggest road races on the continent. These events often require complex traffic planning due to the state’s population density and high vehicular movement.
Saturday’s marathon, though smaller in scale, is expected to attract a large turnout from the local community.
The Ministry of Transportation reminded residents to consider the diversions when planning their movements for Saturday morning. Commercial transport operators, delivery riders, and logistics companies were also advised to adjust their schedules to avoid delays.
“We urge motorists to plan ahead, use alternative routes, and cooperate with traffic officers to ensure a smooth and hitch-free marathon,” the government said.
The statement added that the measures in place are temporary and will be lifted once the marathon ends.