By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Technical Advisor of Sports Development in Ekiti State, Dr Olusola Osetoba, has said that part of the main reasons why she organized the maiden edition of the “2025 Osetoba Marathon Race” for the indigenes of Emure community in Ise/Orun Local Government of Ekiti State is to encourage the young ones and to foster unity.
Feelings revealed that hopes are high that the Osetoba Marathon Race will not only celebrate community pride, but also uncover new athletic stars from the hometown of the number one sport administrator in Ekiti State.
The event which as been described as one of the most anticipated grassroots sporting events in the state is focusing on talent discovery of youths, as preparations gear up for the inaugural Osetoba Marathon, scheduled for September 12 and 13 this year.
The initiative, led by Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sport Development to the Ekiti State Governor, was formally unveiled during a press briefing with the Ekiti chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at a press conference held in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Dr Olusola Osetoba escribing the event as a deeply personal project organized to carry those who at the grassroot along in the sports circle. She hinted that it is clear that the marathon is not politically motivated but born out of a desire to give back to the environment that brought her to limelight.
According to her, “this is a personal project and a way to give back to the community that raised me. I’m deeply ready to do whatever in my capacity to assist them discover their talents.
Dr. Osetoba noted that the Emure race is part of a broader grassroots sports development model being championed by the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. “What we’re doing in Emure is just the beginning.
“Different sporting programs are already happening across the state. The cricket development in Ikole and Ilejemeje to a local Ayo Olopon contest in Odo-Ado, noting that every nooks and crannies of will be touched.
Dr Osetoba disclosed that the competition is widely open exclusively to indigenes and residents of Emure-Ekiti, as the marathon is designed to discover and reward emerging athletic talent.
Her words: “A wide range of cash prizes will be awarded to encourage participation which is stated as follows:
• 1st Place – ₦250,000
• 2nd Place – ₦150,000
• 3rd Place ₦100,000
• 4th Position ₦50,000
• 5th Position ₦30,000
• While ₦20,000 each will go for positions from 6th up to the 16th positions that will partake in the marathon race for this year.
In a strong push for gender inclusion, an additional ₦100,000 will be awarded to the first female finisher, regardless of her overall rank.
She said, official registration is now open at www.osetobamarathon.biodata.ng and organizers noted that the response has already been encouraging as the event has also been receiving key endorsements from stakeholders across the state’s sporting landscape.
The Special Assistant on Sports Development to the Governor, Mr Kolawole Owoseeni hail the organizer for making the sports sector bubbling with may laudable initiatives.
He said Dr Olusola Osetoba Marathon will not only celebrate community pride, but also uncover new athletic stars from the hometown of the number one Sport Administrator in Ekiti State.
Commenting on the development, the chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Qozeem Oladapo, applauded Dr Osetoba for the good initiative and pledged SWAN’s support to ensure the marathon gets the publicity it deserves.
According to him, “SWAN is fully behind this event. We’ll leverage our platforms to give it the exposure it needs,”.
Also, the Director of Individual Sports at the Ekiti State Sports Commission; coach Olakunle also expressed the commission’s commitment to ensuring the race meets professional standards.
His words: “we’ll ensure we work closely with the organizers to deliver a well-structured and credible event”.
In a chat with TopNews, another member of the planning committee for the marathon race, Mr Anthony Osegbohun, further hinted that residents of Emure community are eagerly awaiting the competition to commence as aggressive awareness has been duly created from every nooks and crannies of the town.
