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.
