The Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon was concluded successfully on Saturday, 17th of July, 2021 as Kenyans dominated each categories of the race.

The 21km race was won by Hosea Kiplimo who finished the race in 1:02:36 while his counterpart, Rhonzas Kilimo finished second in 1:02:57.

The third position went to another Kenyan, Timothy Ronoh, who raced to the finish line in 1:02:59.

The women’s race was also won by another Kenya, Sandra Chebet in a time of 1:10:42, with two Ethiopians taking the second and third positions respectively. Gebaynesh Ayele came second and Beyenu Degefa was third with a time of 1:10:52 and 1:11:02.

The first Ijebu man to finish the race was Femi Olusanya, a police officer from Ijebu Ode and promised to do better in the next edition.

Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half birthed the youngest marathoner ever, 11-year-old Abigael Ogunbowale, who completed the 21km of the race.

Speaking after the marathon, MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Company, Hon. Bukola Olopade said he’s happy with the organization of the marathon and thanks the Governor of Ogun State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, the commissioner of sports, Hon. Hon. (Dr.) Oluwadare Kehinde, the Ijebu Heritage Group, and all sponsors.

He said, “The Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon, is arguably the best-organized road race Nilayo has ever had”

The next edition of the Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half marathon is scheduled for July 3rd, 2022.

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.

Executive Governor of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has expressed love for road races and the commitment of his administration to empower and engage the youths.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Honorable commissioner of sports, Dr. Dare Kehinde said sports is one of the 5-cardinal point agendas of the administration. According to him, “When the Governor came on board, 5-cardinal point agenda which one of it is youths engagement and empowerment and one of the ways to engage the youths is to create an enabling environment for any sports activities to thrive”

He confirmed that all the road races in Ogun State, Abeokuta marathon, Remo Ultra marathon, and Ijebu Heritage Half marathon are now fixed events under the sports calendar in the state and emphasized the support of the Governor for the road races.

He continued, “These activities is already in our work plan for the year and Ijebu Heritage marathon captures the plans of the Governor“.

Hon. Olopade expressed appreciation to the Ogun State government for their unflinching support towards the Ijebu Heritage Half marathon race right from its conception. “We thank the Ogun State government through the ministry of sports for also endorsing and supporting this race in so many ways,” he said

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, the 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.

“The Governor is improving infrastructure in terms of road constructions and creating enabling environment to have this type of sporting competition” he said.

No doubt, he must have proved his worth beyond mere hit such that he had eight different scholarship offers to study in  the United States of America between 2014 and 2020.

In a recent interview with Sportspro News correspondent, the former Kwara State and  Nigeria athlete, David Olowookere talked his roots, hopes and becoming the best as a new student of Drake University in the US.

Olowookere with his personal best of 51 minutes 7 seconds of 400mh, is among many  Nigerians who make it to the ‘haven’ of  their dream with mix of tales.

Talking about his pedigree, David noted that his late father hailed from Ilesha in Osun State and his mother from Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

But he would tend towards his maternal side because Kwara State showed him love and platform to showcase his skills and talent over the years.

“When I started,there are some places you will laugh and cry with me. But, this is a new phase of my life- It’s been God” the 400m National Sports Festival Champions reflected.

David narrated that he was born in to a family of Nine and as the last son of the family ,his parent didn’t really believe they could have any child again when he was born. But for a prophecy, he came alive.

The circumstances of his birth appears divine ; a gesture, which to an African society tells a lot of about child fortunes and being special- He was born of a prophecy by a pastor and now living by a prophecy he said of himself.

“We Christian believe in God’s direction and so my mother told me that one prophet told my father that my parent will have a new child- a boy and his name will be David”  he reminisced.

Just after his birth, he came in contact with the bitter side of life as things went bad for his parent but there was something that defined his childhood which would later become the decider of his life.

“When I came, It wasn’t a nice time.Things was not going as planned but during my childhood I was very energetic and my adrenaline were always pumping up fast”.

Recalling some of his travails: “I attented a private school but got to a point, financially the family was down and I have to dropped out from the private school to public School, Government Day Secondary School, Adewole where I started my sporting career very well”

David Beckham and Christiano Ronaldo was his model, but his speed was too much for football, Why and How?

He couldn’t imagined a life on the track because his love for football was overwhelming and the penchant for wearing jersey number 7 was ebullient. Yet ,he had a problem of recovering back whenever he plays the flank- much to his ‘extra’ speed .

“I love and play football very well .David Beckham and Christiano Ronaldo happens to be my role model then, and because I love wearing jersey 7, I developed interest in playing 7  on the pitch”.

At GDSS Adewole, he later met with Coach S.O Ibrahim who engineered the shift to athletics.

“Your speed is just too much for football; you playing football will just kill your talent. You are a sprinter not a footballer and I will like you to take to athletics” he recalled how his teacher advised him .

Although ,he wasn’t happy with what the Coach said but the teacher was so serious about it that he eventually registered him for a competition even when he still “court” with football; feeding his dream to be like Christiano Ronaldo.

“He registered me for an inter school competition in 2014 but I didn’t do well. So, when I came back,I told myself track and field is not your way”. ‘Ororo’ as he his fondly called explained.

Later on, He would go to track and field training with his soccer booth and after the training, he will still go back to football and it got a time he can’t hold it together- The shift was about to be permanent now because the narrative eventually changed with his experience in a 4km race.

“So in 2014, he( Coach Ibrahim) registered me for another 4km race. And for the first time as a secondary school student among many other students from high institutions; I took third position in the race and that opened my heart to running”.

From then on, he has participated in about fifty competitions and
won over 30 medals for his School, State and the Country.

He noted another twist of life was when his father died: “One of my trying period is when i lost my dad. He was my Coach my father ,my mentor and everything to me”

According to David ,his father  had impacted on him virtues which has helped his life and career adding that as a Christian he must uphold the tenets of Christendom to the latter or he might loses Christ’s support.

He wished his father is alive now to witness his transformation and the manifestation of the “prophecy”.

Track and field for him hasn’t been easy because he believes  running is beyond what we see and it takes God to break hurdles. “It’s another thing to run outside and another thing to run on the track; one need God” he exclaimed.

Although he now does 400m event,but he had transversed other forms of race like long distance race of 4km, 5000m , 3000m,1,500m, 800m and 400m .

“I wasn’t striking the right chord in those period, It got to a time I wanted to do 400m hurdles and I was told by those coaching me then that 400m hurdles is not something I can just rush into ,I need more strength and endurance”

But that didn’t stop him from   doing what he wanted. Even with his legs formation and height which many had observed would be a barrier, coupled with initial failures,he has achieved the most running 400m hurdles race.

“I can’t count the number of competitions i have attended but I have gone to more than 50 competitions and won over 30 medals ,one of them is National Sports Festival record in 2018”

The US journey and another prophecy

For Olowookere, he has always told his school mates and colleagues when he was in junior class that he will never pay to study in the University and would never study in a Nigeria university.

“The genesis of my USA journey started back in 2014 and from that time till now ,I have gotten over 8 different scholarships from the US but because there is time for  everything under the heaven- This is my time and I thank God for helping me”. David remarked.

How the video clip and love for Blue Colour shaped the University choice

It all started in 2018 after  emerging as a champion in the National Sports Festival. His video went viral and his phone would subsequently be buzzling with calls from all parts of the world with interest to offer him opportunity.

He said in his words: “I remember a particular press man called me from Columbia and said my video went viral, so many schools were calling him from the US to get my informations.

Among the schools which expressed interest in him is Drake University, Des Moines Iowa State in the US.

Olowookere said he was happy to accept Drake University giving the fact that their colour is Blue -his favorite.It was a dream come through according to him as he will be studying Law, Politics and Society- The prophecy is now a reality.

“I don’t have any cause about wearing kits again,feeding is not a problem because I am on scholarship and all charges paid. What I have to do now is just to study,train and run” He enthused.

And with his achievements as the 2019 CAA Region II 400Mtrs Gold medalist ,110Mtrs hurdles Silver medalist, 2019 African U20 Finalist, National Sports Festival 400m hurdles Champion and record holder, he expressed optimism at conquering more in the upcoming African and World Athletics Championships.

Although his new environment is “partially strange to him”, he is gradually finding the rythm with his acclimatization period.

He appreciated the leadership of Amatuer Athletics Association of Kwara State under the able leadership of Alhaji Tunde Abdulkareem for their contributions and support to his career over the years.

While also pouring encomiums on his Mother, Sister, friends, loved ones and his fans at the Kwara State Stadium headed by Oladele Radical and Odion Wilson, he acknowledged their contributions has been key to all his achievements.

“I want to also thank my Coaches headed by Coach Biodun Adeyemi,Coach Muritala (Murimore), Coach Niyi Awe, Coach Bello, and Mr Tunde Raji (Sampalorajini), Sportspro News Publisher, Bayour Issah,my friend and love Oghenemiro Mirotee and host of others for their support towards making this journey possible”.

David who said he is in America to make Nigeria proud urged all his fellow athletes that there’s no limit and barrier to what they can achieve telling them no obstacle that can’t be broken with believe in God and their dream.

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.

The stage is set for the first ever Kwara State Marathon, billed for Saturday, January 23rd, 2021.

According to the Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Marathon, Mallam Bello Mubaraq, the race is the first in the North Central and was initiated to engage youth positively.

He also said that it was introduced to discover new talents in long distance race, encourage the youth to develop a career in sporting activities and curb restiveness to guarantee development in the state.

Mallam Mubaraq, who stressed that the 18 Kilometers Marathon is purely a private partnership programme, added that it’s being packaged in conjunction with the Government of Kwara State.

The race is expected to kick-off by 7:00 am from Government Secondary School round-about to Fate road, down to Umar Audi road, to Ahmadu Bello way, to Unity axis to New Yidi road up to Asa Dam, to Geri Alimi, Saw Mill and will be terminated at the Kwara State Stadium Complex main gate.

He explained that the participants would be screened and certified by the medics after they must have registered via www.kwaramarathon.org at the rate of two thousand naira only, noting that the organisers have received huge support from the major stakeholders, particularly Kwara State Athletics Association, towards a hitch free exercise.

Mubaraq, who however seeks for more support from the private organizations in the state towards achieving the objectives of the race disclosed that talents discovered from the exercise would be made State Ambassadors and notured to become international athletes.

The government has also announced that in order to stage a successful and safe race, some roads in Kaduna metropolis will be closed on Saturday, from 6am to 3pm.

A statement from the Steering Committee of the Kaduna Marathon said that the government and the race organisers regret the inconvenience that the temporary closure of roads may cause to residents.

Commissioner of Sports, Professor Kabir Mato disclosed that the about 30 roads within the state capital will be fully or partially closed between 6am and 3pm on Saturday.

He explained that the security agencies who will be implementing the road closures expect the cooperation and voluntary compliance of residents.

Prof. Mato added that sponsors of Kaduna Marathon and the elite athletes participating in the event will be unveiled tomorrow at the final pre-event press briefing.

He disclosed that Kaduna Marathon will be broadcast live in accordance with international standards.

The commissioner commended registered runners who have collected their race kits for their orderly conduct at the KASU collection venue, and he urged those who are yet to collect their kits to do so.

Roads to be closed for Kaduna Marathon, Saturday, 21st November 2020 includes; Yakubu Avenue by Coronation Crescent and by Alkali, Galadima road by Alkali, Jabi Road by Alkali, Isa Kaita road by Alkali, Kalapanzi avenue by Alkali Road and by Maska Road, Suleiman Crescent by Coronation Crescent, Waziri Crescent by Coronation Crescent, North Road by Ali Akilu Road and by the State House of Assembly, Modibo Adama road by coronation crescent, Dantuku Road, Sambo Road, Sokoto Road, Dendo Road, Ruran Godiya and Kafur Road.

Others are; New Dawaki road, Maska road by Isa Kaita, Isa Kaita by Sultan Bello road, Tafawa Balewa Way by Muhammadu Buhari way, Yakubu Gowon Way by Muhammadu Buhari way, Club Road by Muhammadu Buhari Way, Oreland Kukawa road by Muhammadu Buhari way, Ahmadu Bello Way by NEPA Roundabout, Bank Road by Challenge Bookshop Roundabout, Sokoto Road by Ahmadu Bello Way, Modibo Adama by Ali Akilu Road, Kankiya Street by Sultan Bello Road, Runka Street by Sultan Bello Road, Bishini Road by Sultan Bello Road and Safana Road by Sultan Bello Road.

Speaking at the press conference of the marathon which held today at the Living Soul Garden Hotel in Ogbomoso,the Chairman of the organising committee ,Prince Oyebamiji Aderemi Joy said all is now set for the race to hold as scheduled.

Oyebamiji, who explained that the registration for the marathon which will be flagged off by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports development,Mr Sunday Dare has been free as it aims to discover hidden talents  and also promote physical and wellbeing of the people.

The Chairman who thanked all the stakeholders and Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development for their support towards organising the first of its kind event revealed that the 10km race which has been billed for 7am on the said date will start  at the Ogbomoso High School and end at Soun Ogunlola Stadium.

Noting some of the rewards for outstanding athletes, he said that Fifty thousands, forty thousands,
thirty thousands, twenty thousands and ten thousands naira with medals and certificates have been set aside for the first to fifth winner of the marathon while sixth to tenth winner will take home material prizes with all the participants also entitle to a certificate each.

“Through our medical partners who will also be using their hospitals as referral centres,we have been able to make provision for 25 medical personnels that will be on ground on the day, Eight  ambulances, Two oxygen tanks,first aid boxes and also with the addition of Red cross officials” the chairman added.

Emphasising the resolve of the committee to deliver a race of international repute, he disclosed that the disbursement of bibs and medical test for all the registered athletes will hold from 26th to 28th of November at Osupa Day School in Ogbomoso as the central location with all other local government and council areas excercise billed for their respective secretariats.

He assured the general public of adequate security  before, during and after the marathon in view of the collaboration with all the security agencies.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Alajaawa Of Ajaawa land in his remarks commended the organiser of the marathon for initiating what he describe as a platform that will enhance youth productivity as he charge the government to prioritize the provision of sports facilities across the zone in a bid to aid sport development.

Olowode of Owode,Oba Areo John Akinkunmi and Elder Oyewale Gbemisoye who represented the Ogbomoso Sons and Daughters in North America in their separate speech urge the organizer not to relent on their oars as they have set out the pace for others to follow.

The Director of Education and Social services of Ogbomoso South local government, Mr Imosan M. A who spoke on behalf of all the local government officials at the event assured the committee of their unalloyed support towards the success of the marathon.

The representative of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency,NDLEA, Mr Wokoma Terry A. in his words cautioned all the participants not to use any performance enhancement drugs adding that whoever found guilty of such act will be dealt with accordingly.

Dr. Paul Ajagbe , the Chief Medical Director of Emmanuel Medical Centre and the Head of the marathon medical team admonished  all the participants no to see the race as a do or die affair saying that it’s an opportunity for them to raise their level of wellness and aid their agility. 

CRC J.K Adejokun of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogbomoso Command ,M.A Tiamiyu of the Department of State Security, Ogbomoso zone and A.A Ibrahim of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in their words said all the agencies will work together in a bid to have an hitch free marathon that will be devoid of any form of security threatening situation.

The press parley was also witnessed by partners to the marathon,youth groups,members of the Red cross society, community development officers and representatives of media organisations.

Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State will be leading all other dignitaries to the event while the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, CFR alongside other traditional rulers in Ogbomoso zone would be on ground as royal fathers of the days.

Yemi Sodeeq
Media and Publicity Secretary
Ogbomoso Marathon 2020.
12-11- 2020.