Sola POPOOLA
A former Chairman, Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi has tasked Nigerians to renew their spirits of patriotism,most especially now that the country is going through difficult challenges.
Oba Alabi gave this admonition while declaring open the
Ikogosi Marathon Initiative- 17.5KM Race Saturday morning in Ilawe-Ekiti.
The monarch, who is an ex Diplomat urged Nigerians to show more concern in defending the nation’s Independence and sovereignty .
The foremost traditional ruler declared that it is time for Nigerians to say no to all forms of neocolonialism or imperialism.
Oba Alabi said :
” Let me put on record that we all love our country- Nigeria and we must do everything humanly possible to defend her sovereignty and Independence .We must say no to any form of neocolonialism or imperialism. I thanked the government of Ekiti State for providing us with a peaceful and congenial atmosphere for all forms of developmental activities and that is why we are able to gather here today ‘
He lauded the Oyebanji administration for sustaining the legacy of the Ikogosi Marathon Race, which his predecessor, former governor Kayode Fayemi, began.
The event showcased exceptional athletic performances and highlighted the growing enthusiasm for long-distance running in Ekiti and beyond, according to the organisers.
Commencing in Ilawe-Ekiti and ending at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, the race attracted thousands of participants and spectators, further reinforcing its reputation as one of the most influential community-based endurance events in the region.
In the elite male category, Iliya Raymond Gyang from Plateau State clinched first place with a time of 57 minutes and 33 seconds, earning a cash prize of ₦2 million. Francis James, also from Plateau State, finished closely behind in 57 minutes and 44 seconds to take second place and ₦1.5 million, while his compatriot, Sadjo Ismael, secured third place in 59 minutes and 16 seconds to receive ₦1 million. In the elite female category, Blessing Shamboa of Plateau State emerged winner with a finishing time of 68 minutes, earning ₦2 million. She was followed by Akusho Lydia Thomas, also from Plateau State, who finished in 70 minutes and 12 seconds to claim ₦1.5 million, while Nvou Gyang Tanko came third in 71 minutes and 15 seconds to receive ₦1 million.
In line with IMI’s commitment to talent discovery and the advancement of homegrown athletes, special recognition was accorded to indigenous runners from Ekiti State. In the male indigenous category, Tunde Segun from Otun-Ekiti emerged winner and received ₦1.5 million, followed by Sunday Ijoko from Ijero-Ekiti, who took second place with ₦1 million, while Agbalaya Alayande from Ado-Ekiti finished third, earning ₦500,000.
In the female indigenous category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe-Ekiti clinched the top spot with a ₦1.5 million prize, while Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo-Ekiti and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo-Ekiti came second and third, receiving ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.
Race Consultant and Technical Lead, Femi Abegunde, highlighted the event’s expanding socio-economic footprint, revealing that 6,891 individuals registered for the race, with 3,694 runners successfully completing the course. He emphasized that beyond elite performances, the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race has evolved into a platform for economic participation, engaging artisans, vendors, hospitality operators, media teams, and community-based organizations. According to him, the event continues to stimulate micro-enterprise activity, promote local tourism, inspire youth engagement, and strengthen social cohesion across Ekiti State.
The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative expressed deep appreciation to its strategic partners whose collaboration has been instrumental to the success of the 2025 edition.
According to Abegunde, the Ekiti State Government provided strong institutional support and logistics coordination; Premium Trust Bank offered significant corporate sponsorship; the MKD ARAOYE Foundation continued its unwavering support and sponsorship; the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort hosted an exceptional finish-line experience; while Gossy Water ensured hydration and safety for all participants throughout the event. These partnerships, IMI noted, underscore the power of collaborative investment in community development and sports tourism.
The second edition of the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race reinforces IMI’s long-term vision to position Ekiti State as a leading hub for sports tourism, nurture emerging athletic talent, and promote inclusive socio-economic development.
The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative (IMI) reaffirmed the transformative impact of the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race on sports development, tourism, economic activation, and youth engagement in Ekiti State, as the second edition successfully concluded with the award of ₦20 million to outstanding athletes.