The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is set to host the first international marathon in Ile Ife on February 4.
The Race Director of Ile Ife Heritage
Marathon Organisation, Mrs. Adedayo Akinbode, said at a press
conference in Osogbo on Thursday no fewer than 150 athletes from
Nigeria and other countries would participate in the race.
Akinbode explained that the 42.195km
marathon would also be used as an opportunity to showcase the cultural
heritage of Ile Ife.
She stated that the international event
had received the support of the Osun State Government and corporate
organisations as well as individuals.
Akinbode said, “The marathon will also
present unique opportunities for visitors from within and outside
Nigeria to have a firsthand contact with many of Ile Ife’s iconic
cultural sites and values. It will also provide ample opportunities to
introduce the sport to the growing population of residents as a platform
of social development.”
The Osun State Commissioner for Sports
and Special Needs, Mr. Biyi Odunlade, said the state government was
fully in support of the race.
He stated that the state government would help make the race a memorable one for all participants.
He said “There are three key objectives
to this programme; this kind of initiative was part of six integral
point agenda of the governor in building a healthy lifestyle for every
citizen of the state; to make known the cultural heritage we are blessed
with in the state and to boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the
state.
“Commencing from the Obafemi Awolowo
University premises, the expected 150 runners will pass through the
campus premises and the city to sight some of the world’s eye-catching
historical icons like the world famous bronze head locally known as ‘Ori
Olokun’, ‘Opa Oranmiyan’, the 42ft of Moremi and the bust of legendary
Yoruba sage, Obafemi Awolowo, before heading for a royal welcome at the
palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.”
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