Lotus 10km race: Winners got motivated, says CEO Nord Automobile

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nord motors, Oluwatobi Ajayi has said winners of the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race were properly motivated.

Ajayi stated this during an interview with newsmen at the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km Race in Abeokuta, Ogun state on Saturday.

The astute entrepreneur who hailed the organisers for a hitch-free race, said all the winners were deserving.

He said, “I take sports very seriously; there is no bigger motivation than money. You could see both the foreign and home grown athletes were given prizes as motivation. This will make people train harder for the next edition and it makes people healthier. I believe there might be upcoming long distance clubs which can make the society fitter.

"The winners of the race were deserving and I promise to be a part of the 10km race in subsequent editions. This has been a fantastic event; the organisers have done a very good job and I am impressed. This has shown that when we do things right in Nigeria, they can come out nicely.”

Ajayi commended the Ogun State Government for supporting the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race and Nilayo Sports Management Limited for promoting healthy living in the country.

He revealed that Nord Automobile will be a part of the 2024 National Sports Festival coming up in Ogun state.

He said, “I want to thank the Ogun State Government for allowing us to organise the 10km race and appreciate the youths for showing positivity towards sports in the state and country at large. There was no record of violence and I am proud to be associated with the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race.

“NORD are part of the sponsors for Lagos Marathon and other sporting events. I am sure you are aware of the 2024 National Sports Festival and we are going to be part of the event.”

Amotekun's charm failed, Fire Service run out of water as maiden Ogun SWAN/Security & Safety Cup enters semifinal

The ongoing SWAN/Security and Safety Cup among security agencies in Ogun State has reached semi-final.

Four teams progressed to the Semi-final from Group A and B.

Nigeria Police finished top of Group A with 7points alongside second placed TRACE with 4points, while Amotekun and Fire Service crashed out of the competition.

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) qualified to the Semi-final with 7 points as leader of Group B alongside Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) with 5points.

The football team of Ogun state Police command will take on their counterpart from the Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, in the first semi final.

The encounter slated for the main bowl of MKO International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta will kick off by 2pm on February 28.

In the second semi finals, TRACE will battle NSCDC by 4pm at same venue.

According the Chairman, Main Organizing Committee, Mr. Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the final match of the competition will come up on Wednesday, 2nd March, 2022.

He said Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun will be the Special Guest of Honour, the Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Prince Olakunle Oluomo is the Guest of Honour while the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Olumide Osoba is the Chairman of the occasion.

Ogunsiji added that the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde is the Chief host, the Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye is the royal father of the day.

E-SIGNED

SWAN SECRETARY

Ismael Sadjo, Rose Akusho steal show at 2021 Bigi Abeokuta 10 KM Race

 

Ismaeel Sadjo from Cross River state on Saturday, November 13, 2021 emerged champion of the Bigi Abeokuta 10 kilometre race (Men category) to claim the two thousand dollars prize money.

The race started at the popular Ake palace, and Sadjo got to the finish line at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta after thirty one minutes and three seconds (31.03)

In a race that featured 100 percent indigenous runners, Stephen Joshua from Plateau state finished second with a time of thirty one minutes and forty three seconds (31.43), while Emmanuel Gyang finished as the second runner up (32.05).

In the women version, Plateau state athletes took centre stage as three of their runners finished on the podium.

Rose Akusho took the top prize with a time of thirty six minutes and twenty nine seconds (36.29), she was closely followed by Vera Yahanna who got to the finish line after thirty seven minutes, five seconds (37.05), just as Patience Dalyop took the third Position with a  time of (38.05).

The top three in the male and female category were presented with a cheque of two thousand dollars, one thousand five hundred dollars and one thousand dollars in that order.

The wheelchair race had Sefiu Ojeleye, Akanni Jelili and Shola Opaleke as the podium finishers respectively in the male category, while Olajumoke Olajide, Chika Enwerem and Nofisat Adefala emerged as the winner, first runner up and second runner up in that order in the female version.

Organizers of the Abeokuta 10 kilometre Race, Nilayo Sports Management Limited confirmed that the athletes will be credited in a record time of 48 hours.

Managing Director of NSML, Hon. Bukola Olopade at the end of the event appreciated the sponsors and the Ogun state government for the tremendous support, he added that their limitless contribution will continue to strengthen and empower the youth, and also give a facelift to the sports sector in the country.

Hon. Olopade made it known that the decision to feature just indigenous athletes at this edition of the Abeokuta 10 kilometre race has already proven to be a success.

He said "Our decision to have a Home land race for the first time has yielded positively, and going forward, we will review this decision and if it will be best for the Abeokuta 10 kilometre race to remain as a race for Indigenes, so be it".

"This wouldn't have been possible without the support from our sponsors, Rite Foods, makers of the Bigi Brand, Access Bank, Suzuki, Coleman Wires and Cables, IBD Hotels and others, we sincerely appreciate everything you have committed into this project, one thing we will continue to assure you is the quality, value and a good mileage for your input" 

"We also appreciate the Executive governor of Ogun State, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, the enabling environment is unrivalled, we will not take this support for granted".

"We are already looking forward to the next edition which we believe will be bigger and better, thank you everyone".

At the end of the event, Legendary Fuji musician, Alhaji Sefiu Alao (Baba Oko thrilled the audience at the MKO Abiola Stadium, rave of the moment, Alayo Melody singer (Global Legend of Orchestra) was also on hand to entertain the crowd.

Another top rated juju musician, Boye Best also created magic, while fast rising Abeokuta based hype man, Michael Fadiya (MOTM) infused energy to wrap up the epoch making event.

Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Olumide Osoba was present at the flag off of the race which had earlier received Royal Blessings from the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

The Secretary to the state government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi led the extremely powerful state government delegation which also had commissioner for youth and sports, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare, his local government and chieftaincy affairs associate, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, special assistant to the governor on youth and sports, Lamide Lawal, special assistant on Job creation, Mr. Abiola Odetola and a host of others.

Captains of industry, prominent people from different walks of life were also in attendance

BigiAbeokutaMarathon: Okowa motivates long distance runners with over a million naira

 

…charges athletes to be ready for African Youth Games

The President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has lifted the spirits of some long-distance runners with more than N1 million after meeting with them in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Okowa revealed during the meeting that there is need to invest in the athletes so as to make the country proud in international competitions.

With the African Youth Games expected to take place in Ethiopia next year, the president urged the coaches to pick the best three U-18 athletes, male and female, with the motive of preparing them for the Games.

While agreeing on the date to start camping in Jos, Plateau State, the national team coach, Steve Nuhu, was tasked with the duty of preparing the athletes alongside some of the senior athletes in the team.

Emmanuel Gyang, Ismael Sadjo and Rose Akusho, were also drafted into the team to help the junior athletes gain experience.

To this effect, the AFN president released the sum of N1million to the team to start the camping from December 1, 2021 with the athletes and the officials expected to go home for holiday by December 22 before returning on Monday January 3, 2022.

“We are looking at the athletes competing favourably with their counterparts from Kenya and Ethiopia,” Okowa said.

“Now that we have identified some of the problems affecting the athletes, like not eating well and the likes, there is need to invest in a solution and that we have done with the agreement of the athletes and the coaches.

“There will also be need to monitor what they are doing and to make sure they have the best  before we release them to the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.”

While appreciating the AFN president, the athletes and the coaches promised to give it their all as they have been looking for such opportunity for so long.

Alake of Egbaland gives royal blessing to Abeokuta 10KM Race, hails organizers

 

The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egba Land, Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo on Thursday endorsed the 2021 Abeokuta 10KM Race.

The Royal endorsement and validation took centre stage during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Monarch by  the management and staff of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, led by the Managing Director,  Hon. Bukola Olopade.

The Paramount ruler who threw his weight behind the event noted that Abeokuta 10km race which debuted in 2019 has further announced Abeokuta, the whole of Egba Land and Ogun State at large to the world as a city of limitless innovations.

He said "Bukola Olopade has done a tremendous job with sports promotion in Nigeria, and I believe that what we are going to witness on Saturday will be bigger than what we  saw two years ago"

"I am always proud to be associated with success, it's a very good feeling to also have hundred percent indigenous runners at this edition"

"Whenever I see Kenyans and Ethiopians dominate races in Nigeria, it's always my wish to witness one that will be won by a Nigerian, so it gladdens my heart that the first to produce a Nigerian winner is happening in Egba Land"

Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo confirmed that he will be on ground to join top government officials at the start point of the race for flag off on Saturday.

In his remark, MD/ Chief Executive Officer, Nilayo Sports Management Limited Hon. Bukola Olopade appreciated the highly revered monarch for his Royal Blessings and support over the years, he also explained how the Abeokuta 10km race has continued to gather momentum ahead of its second edition.

"Your highness, the Abeokuta 10KM race is the first Internationally approved race to be localised, all the ingredients of an international race will still be put in place despite having just local runners"

Hon. Olopade assured of a World class event, devoid of hitches come November 13, 2021, and appreciated headline sponsors Rite Foods Nigeria, makers of the Bigi brand and other affiliate sponsors like Suzuki who also had a representative at the event.

Present at the visit were top Chiefs of Egba Kingdom including the Osi Of Egba Land, Chief Bode Mustapha and the Baaroyin of Egba Land, Chief Lai Labode.

Others are Chief Kehinde Sofenwa, the Bantun of Egba Land, Chief Akanni Akinwale, Baagbimo of Egba Land, Oba Oniro of Iro and the Onitafin elect.

The Chief Operating Officer, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mr.  Ebidowei Oweifie was also in attendance alongside Project Manager of the race Mr Seyi Johnson, branding manager Mrs. Jumoke Adekanye and other staff of NSML.

Members of the Press from different media organizations also attended the courtesy visit.

Eventual winners of Abeokuta 10KM Race will receive prize money in record time - Organizers

The organizers of Abeokuta 10 kilometre race, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), have revealed that eventual winners at the 2021 edition scheduled for November 13 will be paid 48 hours after the race.

Managing Director of NSML, Hon. Bukola Olopade said it's a record time of crediting winners, a development he described as a step in the right direction.

The 2021 Abeokuta 10 kilometre race with the theme, "Naija, Race For Homeland" is restricted to indigenous runners, the first time of having such in the history of races put together by the foremost sports marketing company.

In his words, Hon. Olopade, a former sports commissioner in the Gateway state said measures are already in place to ensure a hitch free race, he added that the City of Abeokuta is extremely ready to host the indigenous athletes coming from different part of the country.

He said "Winners will get their prizes 48 hours after the race, it's a record time of payment, the history is there for all to see"

"We are extremely glad to put up ideas that will add quality to what we have put in place, come November 13, the indigenous athletes will witness a top notch road race which is strictly for Naija, our Homeland"

"With the support we have from our sponsors and the Ogun State government, we are ready for the great Abeokuta 10KM Race"

At stake is a two thousand dollars ($2,000) prize money for the eventual winner, while the second and third to reach the finish line will go home with one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500), and one thousand dollars ($1000) in that order.

The 2021 Abeokuta 10 kilometre race will also have a Wheelchair category where the top three runners will receive five hundred thousand naira, three hundred thousand naira and two hundred thousand naira respectively.

The take off point for the race is the Ake Palace, it will terminate at the MKO Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Rite Foods unveiled as headline sponsor for Great Abeokuta 10km Race

Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organizers of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race has announced Rite Foods Limited as the headline sponsor of the race.

Mr. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited said "We are delighted to announce Rite Foods Limited as Headline sponsor of the second edition of Great Abeokuta 10KM Race.

This partnership also perfectly coincides with the concept of this edition which is to be ran solely by Nigerians".

"All runners will have the ultimate dollar prize to contest for, this event will mark itself as Nilayo Sports will be organising a road race without foreign runners for the very first time."

"We felt that it is important to push the Nigerian narrative, that is why we also themed this year's race "Naija, race for homeland; it's necessary to showcase the dynamism of our strength as a nation of great people who are committed to excellence in all human endeavors".

Boluwatife Adedugbe, Assistant Brand Manager, Rite Foods LTD. Said "The event is going to be extremely memorable; attendees are going to be treated to a refreshing experience with the fantastically array of quality products strategically positioned at all race points in following through with an experience like never before.

"This strategic partnership with Nilayo Sports fits perfectly with promoting the proudly Nigerian narrative with Rite Foods being a pioneer of the "Proudly Nigerian and Truly World Class Narrative" in the FMCG industry which is significant to the event essence".

The Big Abeokuta 10KM Race is scheduled for 13th of November 2021, the route starts at Ake Palace and ends at the M.K.O Abiola International stadium, the event will feature a 10KM Race and a Wheelchair category.

The race is greatly supported by the Ogun State government, other sponsors include Access Bank, Kenya Airways, Suzuki, Ecogas and IBD Hotels.

About Rite Foods: Rite Foods Limited is a truly world class, proudly Nigerian Foods and Beverages manufacturing company which began food production in March 2008, Rite Foods is a major player in the sausage segment of the food industry and is gradually gaining market share in the soft drinks and energy drinks' segment of the beverage industry in Nigeria.

Rite Foods Limited manufactures under high ethical standards and hygienic conditions to produce quality products that are fit for consumption.

About Nilayo Sports Management Limited: Nilayo Sports Management Limited is a sports management and marketing company based in Lagos, Nigeria, Nilayo has worked with some of the biggest names in the world of sports including World Athletics, Confederation of African Athletics and Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Nilayo organises several sporting events across the country, which include Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is the biggest Marathon in Africa and elite labelled by World Athletics, Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, Africa's foremost Ultra Race, the Valuejet IAU African Championship, a 50KM Ultra Race held in Remo, Ogun State among others.

Enyimba Fall Short in Five Goal Thriller

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