5TH OBA KABIR SHOTOBI MINI MARATHON UNVEILS IN IKORODU, SET TO HOLD ON OCTOBER 1ST 2019. It's to create healthy rivalry between Private and Public Secondary Schools, Hon SOB Agunbiade reveals. Winners would be taking to All African Games in October, says Bolowotan, DG Lagos Sports Commission.

The 5th edition of the Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi Mini Marathon, was on friday unveiled at the Palace of Ayangburen of Ikorodu. The event which was initiated and powered by the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ikorodu Constituency 1, Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade has been fixed to hold on the 1st of October, 2019, to celebrate the National Independence Day in Ikorodu Division.

 

According to the planning committee Chairman, Mr Akeem Bello, during the press briefing on friday, said "this year's Mini Marathon competition is covering a distance of 10km, and the route will be from Ayangburen Palace - Etunrenren street - Zenith Bank Road - Lows Estate - Jumofak - Lagos Road - Ikorodu Roundabout - Sabo Roundabout - Kokoro Abu - Awolowo Road - Ota Ona - Obun Ale - Ita Elewa - Ireshe Road - Sheriff Junction - Igbogbo Road - and the finish point is Police Barracks Playing Ground, Igbogbo road, Ikorodu".

 

The edition which is tagged 'Marathon of Grace' was said to MegaXpression Community Magazine to aim at:

 

1. Contributing to the development of Sports in Lagos Sate.

2. Creating healthy sporting rivalry amongst all public and registered private secondary schools in Ikorodu Division.

3. Domiciling Nigeria's Independence Day celebration in Ikorodu.

4. Empowering the youth in long distance races.

5. Immortalizing the name of Oba Kabir Shotobi, and

6. Reducing the menace in our Division by engaging the youths in sporting activities.

 

Mr Bello further stated that the collection of forms will commence from 9th - 18th of September 2019 at Hon SOB Agunbiade's constituency office, follow by the medical fitness screening, scheduled for 18th - 25th of September. Release and pasting of medically examined and fit participants will come up on 27th of September, while the unveiling of the route by past winners will hold on September 28th at the Palace of Ayangburen. Then, the presentation of gifts to the winners would be done on October 1st at Police Barracks.

 

"The Oba Shotobi Mini Marathon is a competition that the people of Ikorodu Division look forward to as we have recorded notable progress in the participation of athletes between the age of eleven and sixteen years, drawn from both public and registered schools in the Division.

 

"The committee is working with relevant government agencies for the approval of the competition and also collaborating with other agencies on security, medical and the officiating of the event," Bello explained.

 

The initiator and Opomulero of Ikorodu, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, paid homage to the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, and other dignitries present, for their immense supports alongside the DG of Lagos State Sports Commission, Prince Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan. Agunbiade said the Oba Kabir Shotobi Mini Marathon is geared towards the development of the youths in Ikorodu Division, and to promotes wellness and raise the spirit and values of a marathon in Ikorodu Division.

 

Agunbiade specially thanked those who have made the past events successful and prayed for no casualties to be recorded this year.

 

Another political figure in Ikorodu Division, The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Prince Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan was elated about the event. He said "I'm extremely happy to be part of this year's Oba Kabir Shotobi Mini Marathon event unveiling." He further narrated his role on how he was accessory to sports development in Ikorodu Division.

 

Bolowotan also promised to take this year's Mini Marathon winners to the All African Games in October. "This Oba Kabir Shotobi Mini Marathon is our own, it has come to stay and we would do everything within our reach to make it a success. Sport is the easiest way to reduce crime rate in our society," he said.

 

HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, in his eloquent remarks thanked Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade and Prince Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan and applauded the supports of everyone. He further thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in Ikorodu Division and pleaded with him to provide Ikorodu with the necessary sporting facilities. "There are lot of talented and ready to do children, but no avenue to display or practice their God's given talent because of lack of sporting facilities," he said.

 

The holder of 21 medals and 2017 & 2018 Oba Kabir Shotobi Mini Marathon winner, Miss Esther Affigbo thanked Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade for his kindness and generosity in making Ikorodu Division youth lives better. "I promise to make Ikorodu and Lagos State proud, and to make Nigeria proud one day," she said.

 

Before the closing prayer which was performed by Lion Funke Esan, the N.U.T Chairman, Comr Fakolade Olufemi said the vote of thanks and urged Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade to continue what he knows how to do best.

 

Others at the historic unveiling were Alhaji Kaabat Tijani, Mr. Yinka Oduntan, Dr Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa, Alhaji Akeem Olukunga, Bashexy, Abike Allison, among others.

 

MICHEAL YEKINNI
Reporting for MegaXpression Community Magazine
08027718555