Abeokuta 10KM Race Has Positioned Egbaland As City Of Limitless Innovations - Alake

Alake (middle) flanked by NMSL CEO, Bukola Olopade (left) with Rite Foods representatives

ABEOKUTA - The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo has lauded the 2021 Abeokuta 10KM Race, saying the race has announced Abeokuta, and Ogun state at large as a city of limitless innovations.

Oba Gbadebo stated this on Thursday while receiving the management of Nilayo Sports Management Limited at his palace.

The monarch who threw his weight behind the event noted that Abeokuta 10km race which debuted in 2019 has become an annual festival for the youths to re-energize their mental well-being.

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 localized, 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 on Saturday 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 Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha and the Baaroyin of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode.

Others are Chief Kehinde Sofenwa, the Bantun of Egbaland, Chief Akanni Akinwale, Baagbimo of Egbaland, 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.