With the maiden edition of the Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon just few hours away, the Headline sponsor of the race, Airtel Nigeria Limited and partner, Rite Food, the official beverage for the race, has urged the athletes to go for the ultimate prize as they welcomed them to the Ijebu Ode community and Ogun State.

Speaking during the world press conference to herald the race, the CEO of the consultant for the race, Bukola Olopade, praised all the people that made the race happen especially the organisers, Ijebu Heritage Club.

The former commissioner for sports in Ogun State started that all the Road Races in the state, starting from the Abeokuta 10km Race to the Remo Ultra Marathon and now the Ijebu Race were all babies of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun.

“Road Races in Ogun state are all the governor babies as he agreed for the race to go round the state,” Olopade said
“I am excited that at Nilayo we are doing this in Ijebu Ode known for their hospitality. I am happy about the interest of The king, HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Land, who is also excited about the race and other activities involving the youths in the state.”
The representative of the Headline sponsor, Airtel, Oladipo Jolaosho, Regional Operating Director, West, who brings greetings from the Managing Director of the organisation, Segun Ogunsanya, revealed the joy of Airtel to be part of the Race while thanking the organisers for coming up with such a laudable idea.

He added: “We commend all participants ahead of the race, only one winner but great to start the race, and more special for finishing the race. Regardless on your position, we thank you for coming.
“We are key stakeholders in Ijebu and the whole of Nigeria and the marathon gives us another opportunity to be part of great deeds.”
The official beverage for the half Marathon and other races, the Bigi brand of Rite Foods, was represented by Bolu Adedugbe, Brand Manager Beverage and Bakery, assured all athletes and fans of enough beverages during the race.

According to her, they will continue to support and partner whatever will bring healthy competition between the youths and the people of Nigeria, while praying for the best man to win.
The commissioner of sports in the state, Kehinde Oluwadare, and the chairman of Heritage Group, Ijebu Ode, Mr. Odulaja, assured everyone of absolute security before, during and after the race.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited, project consultants on Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon has announced a field of 40 elite runners for the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon.

Mr. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited said “We have selected a strong field of elite runners from the World Athletics pool and we are anticipating a very competitive performance during the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon.

“The first edition of the Half Marathon will definitely be a memorable one because as project consultants, Nilayo is bringing all the expertise and excellence we are known for to the race.”

Kenya’s Bernard Sang who came first at the 2020 Istanbul Marathon tops the list. Sang will look to top his Personal Best for Half Marathons which stands at 1:00:57.

Kenya’s Hosea Chirchir Kiplimo, Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo, Eliud Mewangi, Sammy Nyokaye, John Muriuri Mburi, William Amponsah, Titus Kipruto Kibiego, and Paul Koech are on the men’s list.

Uganda’s Ezekiel Chepkoromk with a Personal Best of 01:01:46 and Azerbaijan’s Desta Fitsun Weldu are also listed.

For the women’s list, Shila Jepkosgei who is a World Athletics gold-label runner with a Personal Best of 01:10:58 tops the list. Ghana’s Juliana Lariba Sakat, Kenya’s Gladys Jepkemoi Chemweno, Caern Jebet Maiyo, Ruth Karanja, Susy Chebet Chemaimak, Hannah Wanjiru Gatheru are also listed.

Uganda’s Racheal Zena Chebet with a Personal Best of 01:10:13 and Bahrain’s Damaris Muthee Mutua with a Personal Best of 01:10:13 will also be running in Ijebu.

The Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon is scheduled for the 17th of July, 2021. The Half Marathon features a 21KM Half Marathon, 10KM, and 5KM race. The route starts from Tunde Debasco Road, Ejirin, and ends at Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

The Half Marathon is organized by the prestigious Heritage Group and is greatly supported by Ogun State Government.

Aron Nigeria Limited and Rite Foods are sponsors of the Half Marathon.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited has congratulated Lagos state on her selection as host city for 22nd edition of African Athletics
Championships.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports, Mr. Bukola Olopade
said “We say a big congratulations to Lagos state because this is a great achievement.
Hosting the African Athletics Championships for the second time is an outstanding feat.

Over 1000 athletes from 54 African countries will converge on Lagos for this event.

“We are inviting all Corporate Nigerians and friends of Lagos to support this event.

African Athletics Championships is a unique economic driver in any city that can have the opportunity to host it.

Sports is a veritable tool for development in any society and its impact as a means of social inclusion drastically affects the trajectory of youth development.

“I salute the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under the leadership of Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for this great
accomplishment.

“Lagos has witnessed transformational development under the leadership of
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and we stand firmly behind him.”

The African Athletics Championships is scheduled for June 23rd to 27th 2021.

The event is a continental athletics event organized by the Confederation of African Athletics, the continental association for the sport in Africa.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited is the foremost sports management and
marketing company in Nigeria, with over two decades of experience, NSML
promotes sporting activities from grass root level to international level in Africa.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited is proud to associate with the event as the official consultant.

The owner of FC Nilayo and the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Hon. Bukola Olopade has described Hon. Kunle Soname, owner of Remo Stars Sports Club as a gift from God to Nigeria, and has admonished stakeholders in the sports sector to tap from his exposure and his wealth of experience to build a formidable sports structure that will stand the test of time.

Hon. Olopade gave the admonition while celebrating the iconic sports administrator and philanthropist on his 55th birthday.

The former sports commissioner in Ogun state noted that whoever decides to invest in sports will succeed in taking the youths away from the streets, get them engaged and provide them a means of livelihood, hence the need to extoll a man like Kunle Soname who has done it on a large scale.

“If I have a whole day to sing the praises of Hon. Soname, I will go on and on, but the right words will fail me because he has done so much”

“Those that are also close to him can attest to the fact that this is a man that should be extolled and celebrated everyday and not just his birthday. He has invested in football and Table Tennis, he keeps spending his money to develop the Para Sports and put food on their table, he had on different occasions sponsored so many other sporting events”.

“The Ultra modern Remo Stars international stadium project that is gradually nearing completion will be class above others when completed, Hon. Soname is spreading the tentacles to get more people engaged and employed, he’s a man of vision and determination, he’s rare and different on all front”.

Honourable Olopade wrapped up his eulogy with prayers and wished the celebrant many happy returns in good health and multiple blessings

Bayo Adegboyega

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League NNL, Honourable Bukola Olopade has given kudos to the Nigeria Football Federation and the leadership of the Nigeria Women Football League on the tremendous success recorded at the just concluded NWFL Super six in Ijebu Ode.

Bearing his mind on the tournament where Rivers Angels emerged overall Champions at the Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu Ode, Olopade acknowledged the immense contribution of the NFF President Amaju Pinnick and the Chairperson of the Women’s League, Aisha Falode to the development of female football in the country and harped on the need for people to always give credit as and when due.

The former sports commissioner in Ogun state also hailed the Executive governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun for refurbishing the Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu Ode immediately he came into office.

The sports administrator said the Dipo Dina stadium has maintained its standard, since meeting the requirements of the World Football governing body FIFA in 2009 when it hosted games during the FIFA Under 17 World Cup which the country hosted.

“Honestly, the leadership of the NWFL has done a tremendous job, the Super six has come and gone, but what they have achieved will be on the forefront for so many years, congratulations to Madam Aisha Falode and plaudits must go to my good friend Amaju Pinnick as well”

“The decision to adopt this format paved way for a hitch free conclusion, I’m extremely proud of the NFF and all stakeholders involved in putting this beauty together”.

Bringing the edifice put into use to the front burner, the former sports commissioner in Ogun state affirmed that the Dipo Dina stadium is class above others considering the facilities in the premises and what was involved in putting it to shape.

“Without being arrogant I’m always proud to say I served during the tenure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel which scored points in sports development, and one of the things we did was putting this infrastructure in place”.

“Thankfully, the governor Dapo Abiodun led government is keying into that idea by giving the stadium a facelift and attracting events to keep the magnificent edifice busy”.

Hon Olopade congratulated Rivers Angels for playing good football and emerging champions, he also gave thumbs up to other participating teams, describing them as agents of progress and football development.

Leading the charge for the wishes on Tuesday was one of the group’s admin, Mr Akin Bolarinwa, who posted glowingly of the former flying eagles media officer and said, “Wishing a very happy birthday to a very wonderful boss. I’m grateful to work with a boss who treats me with love and respect. It is my hope that you continue to spread your wings and fly. May your heart know happiness today and on all the days of your life. May your enemies not rejoice over you, keep rising. Happy birthday Adewale Omotayo Ajayi. I celebrate you”.

The CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Hon. Bukola Olopade also joined in wishing the one nicknamed SAJ, Senior Advocate Of Journalist well, “Happy birthday to Wale Ajayi. A good man often times misunderstood. I join all in celebrating you today. Aseyi se Amodun”.

36 Lion Owner, Hajj Gafar was also not left out,: “A king must be accorded in his kingdom so I say wonderful birthday wish to you Wale, the great son of Ajayi. Many happy returns of the day SAJ.
May the showers of peace and love continue to drizzle on your rooftop”, he said.

“All the best to you and all the best to your entire family. The love between and within you and your wife shall continue to increase. Your children shall be among the best leaders of their generations.

“May your new age be filled with extraordinary fruitfulness. Your establishment in Canada shall be extended to Nigeria for a unique legacy. Long life and prosperity my honorable brother”, he concluded.

Other members which constitute of leading sport journalists, administrators and athletes also took their turns to celebrate the one who they regard as a man with good heart.

Adewale Ajayi, is the global media consultant and brand ambassador of 36 Lion Football Club.

The former staff of Africa independent television AIT served as Media Officer of the Under-20 National team of Nigeria and was also at one point, the media consultant to the Nigeria hockey federation before relocating with his family to Canada for greener pastures.

His pet project, the award winning, NSM is gradually becoming the voice of sports journalists in Nigeria as he has managed to get the best brains in sports journalism together on one platform to help project Nigeria sports in good light.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organises of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, Valuejet IAU African Championships among other races across the country has announced Ijebu International Half Marathon, a Half Marathon holding in Ijebu Ode.

Mr. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management limited said “we are very excited about organising another international road race in Ogun state. The Ijebu International Half Marathon is a 21 Kilometre race, the route will start from the newly constructed Epe-Ijebu road and will end at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium.

The Ijebu International Half Marathon was motivated by Ijebu Heritage Club. The club is an outstanding community of Ijebu Ode sons and daughters who thought it wise to have an international marathon in Ijebu land.”

Ogun State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde reiterated the commitment of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun to increasing the capacity of Ogun state youths.

He said “When the idea of the Ijebu International Half Marathon 2021 was first introduced, everybody attested to the timeliness and necessity of the event at a time like this. This is because the Government of His Excellency, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun MFR is favourably disposed to ideas aimed at increasing the capacity of Ogun State Youths.

It should be recalled that year 2020, with its attendant twists and turns placed an unfavourable restriction on sports and sporting developments worldwide. It can be said that not much was recorded in areas of Sports throughout last year. This interregnum placed most Athletes and Sports Lovers on physical & psychology fatigue.

The Ijebu International Half Marathon 2021 has therefore created an enabling environment to put on our sporting shoes and invigorate our muscles. In this connection, the 2021 Edition is not a game to miss for all discerning athletes and sports lovers.”

The commissioner commended Nilayo Sports Management Limited for putting up the race at this crucial moment. He enjoined all participants to take the race in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie whilst keeping to all laid down health rules, safety standards & precautions.

This race will open a new vista opportunity for runners in Ogun state, the race will also greatly spotlight the importance of health and fitness in Ijebu Ode and environs, added Mr. Sulaiman Adebayo, the Head Communications and Media, Ijebu International Half Marathon.

Ijebu International Half Marathon is greatly supported by the Ogun state government. The event will also feature a 5 Kilometre race for fun runners. The event will hold in July, 2021.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organizers of the Abeokuta 10 KM Marathon and the Remo Ultra Race will on Friday, December 11 Unveil Suzuki CFAO as the official automobile partner for the 2021 edition of the Abeokuta Marathon and the Remo Ultra Race.

Managing Director of NSML Bukola Olopade confirmed that the unveiling will come up on Friday at a Press briefing at the Suzuki headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos starting from 10am.

According to a statement, representatives of the automobile company and Nilayo Sports Management Limited will be present at the Press briefing where details about the events will be revealed.

The two events began in 2019 with 21-year-old Kenyan athlete Biwott Kemboi dictating the pace at the Abeokuta 10km race winning the $5,000 prize money after completing the race in 28 minutes and 16 seconds.

In the category for Nigerian winners, Emmanuel Gyang won N1,000,000 first prize in the male category and fourth overall having crossed the finish line in 31 minutes and one second, Fadekemi Olude went home with N1,000,000 first prize in the home athletes female category after completing the race in 37 minutes and 29 seconds.

Mbolekwa Thobile of South Africa won the men version of the Remo Ultra Race, while his compatriot Mbanjwa Sanelisiswe emerged the winner of the female version.

Despite the glamour and the success recorded in the first editions, Nilayo Sports Management Limited has promised to take the second edition to a bigger and better pedestal.

Nilayo Sports Management Limited are the right owners of the Prestigious Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, they were also recently appointed by the Kaduna State Government as the consultant for the first ever Kaduna Marathon

There is no denying the fact that Bukola Olopade remains the best commissioner of sports that ever lived in Nigeria. This may not be far from the truth because his legacies are there and they will always speak for him.

Ozogula as he is fundly called by his admirers has broken all records that exists in sports and is looking good for the Guinness book of records.

A few years ago, a certain Mr Suleiman Baba Ali emerged from the blues to raise over 500m naira for team Nigeria’s participation at the Olympics. He did that successfully with fellow marketer, Nkechi Obi. That feet was celebrated and many still discuss it till date.

Those two, set a precedent for others to follow and one man has since dwarfed their records as Nigeria best sports marketer of all time. His name is Bukola Olopade.

Tipped as one of the best brains to come out of Egbaland, described by associates as the shinning light of Ogun state politics, this man has all the potentials of a good governor but he is bidding his time, knowing that there comes that moment, when the people will say, come and rule us.

Bukola Olopade has won races, he has fought battles and won in flying colours, he has weathered the storm of uncertainty and has come out unscathed. He has achieved where others failed

An icon, a colossal achiever, a brilliant administrator, a house builder and a man of many parts. Ozo has survived the most difficult situations and has emerged from the storm smiling and dancing

Hit by the corona virus, Bukola Olopade was gallant all through, he fought like a warrior and emerged from the hospital stronger than he went. As a patient, he showed other love on their hospital bed and left after three weeks with a promise to always offer his support.

He has returned several times to donate his little to help the sick and has set up a foundation to assist doctors and nurses who are the frontliners in this battle against the deadly corona virus pandemic ravaging the entire world.

Out of hospital, Ozo has not stopped giving, he has helped the sick, he has encouraged the weak, donated to charities and blessed the poor.

On Friday, Bukola Olopade decided to bless the Nigeria media as he donated the sum of 200,000 naira to Nigerian journalists on the popular Nigerha sports mouthpiece rebranded, a WhatsApp platform that has raised close to 5million naira in helping Nigerian journalists survive the harsh realities of the Corona virus pandemic.

Those who call him the king of marathon in Africa may not be wrong. This man who raised over 500m naira to help wheelchair basketball in Nigeria has thrived where others failed.

The Obudu Mountain race was the biggest marathon attraction in Nigeria at some point, but the present governor of the state, Ben Ayade has failed woefully in sustaining the legacies of his predecessor, bringing an end to the pride of Cross Rivers state.

Their loss, is Ozogula’s gain. He has single handedly revived the long distance races with over four international marathon events that have the stamp of the IAAF.

He has gone about his little achievements with humility. He hardly blows his trumpet, rather he sits to watch others shout. He is a trojan, a fighter and an achiever. He has won battles and he is poised for greater achievements.

Ozo was the first Nigerian sport administrator to resign when the ovation was loudest. He dumped the Nigeria National League over irreconcilable differences with the NFF. This was after he predicted that the league will never survive the tide that will come. Today the NNL is dead, waiting to be buried.

He is Bukola Olopade, the hope of South West and the friend of the depressed. He is the man we hope, will take our sport to the promised land.

Olukayode Thomas, Head Communications and Media said the good news was conveyed to the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon by IAAF Head of Road Races Alessio Punzi, “The certificate for the new Silver Label status was sent over the weekend to Race Promoter Bukola Olopade and General Manager Marathon Yussuf Alli”.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, which is unarguably the biggest one-day event in Africa from its inception in 2015 has been organized according to the standard of IAAF, the world governing body for athletics.

From the over 50,000 participants that took part in the first edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, over 100,000 took part in the most recent edition held in February 2019.

While reacting to the latest enviable feat achieved by the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Race Promoter, Bukola Olopade, said the feat would not have been possible without the backing of the Lagos State Government.

Olopade thanked the Lagos State Government for wholly believing in the noble idea and for offering full support financially, technically and in terms of security and logistics since inception

The Race Promoter also expressed gratitude to the Headline Sponsor Access Bank an organization that open its doors and embraced the marathon  , and partners like 7Up, Bet9Ja, Eko Atlantic, who have been supportive in the past years as well as to the likes of Kia Motors, Revolution Plus and others who have also joined the train to make the marathon the toast of the town.

Olopade also admitted that the media played a significant role in the success story of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and he dedicated the latest Silver Label to Lagos State Government, Headline Sponsor Access Bank, other partners and members of the fourth estate for their selfless efforts to the course.

On his part, the General manager for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Alli, said the next target is to go for Gold and then the Platinum Label, which is the highest award by the global body.

Alli said he is confident that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be awarded a Gold Label after the 2020 edition, which he assured will be organised to meet and even surpass the required standards in terms of the number of elite athletes, equipment, road closure, security, media engagement and other requirements that must be satisfied to merit a Gold Label.