Kunle Adelabu
-Oba Shotobi pledges support
Organisers of the annual Oba Shotobi Independence Day Mini – Marathon that has turned veritable ground for talent development in the long race, has announced their readiness to host this year’s edition of the competition on October 1.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the race, Pastor Akeem Bello who has been in – charge since inception of the marathon seven years ago, led other committee members to pay a courtesy visit to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi whom the annual competition is named after, to announce the committee’s readiness to stage the sixth edition of the race this year and also to seek royal support.
The race was initiated and being sponsored by the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the representative of the Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. Sanai Bolanle Agunbiade, as a way of developing youths in the long race and engaging residents of Ikorodu on the Independence Day rather than just letting them to stay indoor.
The race, which did not hold in 2020 due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, had 666 registered participants in the last edition in 2019 but 426 took part in the race.
According to the organizers, those expected to take part in this year’s edition are students are 16 years of age and below, while the logo will be unveiled on September 15 at the Ayangbure palace.
The tournament has produced many young talents that are now participating in the marathon race at the state level. Among them is Esther Affiong who is now a professional distance runner and Anita who is now on scholarship in Texas, United States of America.
Mr Bello Akeem, who is also the Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, the Best School in Lagos State and Nigeria, announcing the competition during the visit to Oba Shotobi, said that every machinery has been set in motion to have a successful outing this year after COVID – 19 pandemic prevented 2020 edition.
“Your Royal Majesty sir, we were unable to come to you in respect of our annual Oba Shotobi Independence Day Mini – Marathon last year because of the COVID 19 pandemic which grounded many things”, he recalled.
“Today, we are here to let your Majesty know and be aware that we are fully set and ready to stage the competition this year but we cannot go about with it without first getting your blessing and permission. That is why we are here today”, Pastor Bello said.
“Ikorodu people and others across the state have been asking about the annual race that has turned into a carnival and also has gone beyond Ikorodu and we want to assure them that we are fully ready and the sponsor who is one of your subjects, is more than ready to stage the best race ever to further state that Ikorodu is a pacesetter and we have committed individuals that are concerned about youths and community development.
He said that the committee could have visited the monarch earlier but for the delay in hearing from the Ministry of Education regarding approval to stage the race.
“We would have visited a long time ago sir, but because we were unable to get the approval of the Ministry of Education. Sir, it is our pleasure to announce to you that the Ministry has granted approval to stage this year’s edition of the Oba Shotobi Independence Day Mini – Marathon”, he announced.
“Not only that, sir, the Tutor – General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye, has also donated two giant trophies for the race because of her love for Ikorodu, youths and sports development.
“Kabiyesi, as I have mentioned, Hon. Agunbiade, who is the initiator and sponsor of the race, is ever – ready to stage another great race in your honour and for the development of the youths.
Speaking further on the participation, Mr Bello said that students that only students who are 16 years and below will be allowed to participate in this year’s edition.
“We have also contacted the Lagos State Sports Commission regarding our preparations and readiness.
“Those that will be taking part in this year’s edition will be 16 years and below because of the national competition which has stipulated age grade. We want some of our best athletes to be prepared through our annual mini – marathon race”, he announced.
Oba Shotobi, in his royal remarks, commended the initiator and organizers of the annual race for their commitment in developing the youths and charged them not to relent.
“I give kudos to everybody that is doing things for the community despite challenges”, the royal father said.
“I appreciate the organizers for keeping the development of youths as their major focus and sustaining it. I will remain youthful and always give support to you and other initiatives like this”, Oba Shotobi assured.
“We may not know what we are doing but we are creating events which will be history tomorrow.
“It is important for me to continue to encourage everyone of you for the important job that you are doing for the young ones.
He gave his royal approval and support for the staging of this year’s edition of the race and also for the unveiling of the logo in his palace come September 15.
“I am always available for you and will continually give you moral and royal supports”, the royal father assured the organizers of the annual marathon race.
“I will be available for you on September 15 for the unveiling of the logo and support you for a successful hosting of the marathon”, Oba Shotobi further assured.
Alloy Ifeanyi John (147), JSS3 student of Imota Community Junior School, Imota, returned 44 minutes and 29 seconds to emerge the overall best athlete in the 10metres race for the 2019 edition while Akanbi Muslim (393), SSS 1 student of Luwasa Senior High School, Ijede, returned 51 minutes 34 seconds to win the female category.
Bashiru Awal Rebecca (893) from United Junior High School, Ikorodu, and Wahab Zainab Idowu (125) from Kingsfield College, Ikorodu, returned 51minutes 40 seconds and 52 minutes 03 seconds to emerge second and third best respectively in the female category.
Oluwatuyi Michael of Yewa Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu, and Sekoni Olawale from Goodness & Mercy College, Ikorodu, emerged second and third best in the male category as they returned 45 minutes 53 seconds and 45 minutes 41seconds respectively.
