By Daphne Uduneje
Organisers of Cycling Kano have commenced online registration for participants ahead of the second edition of the cycling event, scheduled to hold on December 12, 2026, in Kano, as the initiative seeks to deepen sports development, promote healthy living and strengthen the state’s profile as a destination for sporting and tourism activities.
The event, regarded by its organisers as the biggest cycling event in Northern Nigeria, will begin at the Emir’s Palace, Kano, bringing together cycling enthusiasts, political leaders, business executives, corporate organisations and other stakeholders from across the region.
The registration exercise, which opened on Wednesday, November 11, will close on December 9, three days before the grand finale.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, expressed the state government’s support for the initiative, describing it as consistent with Governor Abba Yusuf’s development agenda, particularly its focus on creating opportunities for young people and nurturing emerging talents.
Waiya said the event provides a platform to identify and encourage sporting talents while promoting youth participation in activities capable of contributing to personal development and broader social engagement.
For Kano State, the event also presents an opportunity to harness sports as a vehicle for community engagement, tourism promotion and economic activities, particularly through the participation of businesses, sponsors and visitors.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Africa, Bamidele Adeleye, said the second edition would build on the foundation established by the inaugural event, attracting prominent political figures, business leaders, cycling enthusiasts and leading brands.
According to him, this year’s edition, themed ‘Water is Life,’ will extend the event’s focus beyond sporting activities to address critical environmental and social concerns, particularly water conservation and access to clean water.
Adeleye explained that the theme reflects the growing importance of sustainable water management, environmental protection and responsible utilisation of natural resources, especially in Northern Nigeria, where water security remains an important development concern.
He said the organisers intend to leverage the visibility and public appeal of cycling to stimulate conversations around environmental sustainability, healthy lifestyles and collective responsibility.
“The ‘Water is Life’ edition will reflect the growing importance of water conservation, access to clean water, environmental sustainability, and responsible management of natural resources, particularly in Northern Nigeria,” Adeleye said.
He added that the cycling platform would provide an opportunity to raise public awareness about the need to protect water resources and encourage communities to adopt more sustainable environmental practices.
Participation and Stakeholder Engagement
Beyond its sporting objectives, Cycling Kano is positioning itself as a platform for corporate visibility, stakeholder collaboration and community engagement.
The involvement of business executives and leading brands is expected to provide opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships, while the gathering of participants and visitors could generate economic activities across hospitality, transportation, retail and other service sectors.
Adeleye said the online registration process was introduced to enable the organisers to plan effectively and make adequate preparations for the anticipated participation of cyclists and other key stakeholders.
He urged interested cyclists to take advantage of the free registration, noting that participants could register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or completing the online registration form.
The annual event is organised by Cycling Africa in collaboration with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders in the state.
With its combination of sporting activities, environmental advocacy and corporate participation, the second edition is expected to further establish Cycling Kano as a platform for promoting sports development and advancing conversations around sustainable community development in Northern Nigeria.
Interested participants can register through the organisers’ online registration portal before the December 9 deadline.
For sponsorship, partnership and participation enquiries, the organisers can be reached via cyclingkano@gmail.com or 07033956609