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.

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has been announced as the headline sponsor of Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon.

Mr. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Project Consultants on the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon, said “We are delighted to welcome Airtel on board as Headline sponsor, they proudly connect millions of Nigerians every day and we are extremely happy to have the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon associated with the brand.

“Our belief at Nilayo is that Sports Sponsorships is a veritable tool for economic development in any society. We are positive that this partnership will open a new vista of opportunities in the trajectory of marathons and road races in the country.”

The Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon is scheduled for 17th July, 2021. The route starts at Tunde Debasco Road, Ejirin and ends at Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium. The event consists of three races, the Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM Fun Run.

The event is endorsed by World Athletics, International Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and Athletics Federation of Nigeria. 40 Elite Runners have been confirmed for the race.

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