By Emma Jemegah
The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Chief Bukola Olopade, on Wednesday, declared that the 2023 edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race is special in many ways.
Olopade, who expressed delight over partnership with Lotus Bank as title sponsor, explained that the race billed for September 9 would be part of the week-long activities of the 80th birthday of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
He added that the finish point of the race, which is the 3rd edition, is the front of Alake’s Palace. Incidentally, it is also facing the Abeokuta branch office of Lotus Bank.
“I am proud to also add that top executives of most of our sponsors like 7Up, Kenya Airways, Cash Token, etc, are all indigenes of Egbaland.
“This edition is being staged by the Egba people to the international community. There will be fanfare at the finish point after the race.”
Group Head Lotus Bank, Foladimi Brodie-Mends, stated that it was important to use the Abeokuta Road Race to help the youth in the state and to further expand the tentacles of the bank.
Alake of Egba, Oba Aremu Gbadebo commended the organisers, Nilayo Sports and the title sponsor, Lotus Bank for maintaining high standards in the state.
Project manager of the event, Seyi Johnson of Nilayo , stated that 42 foreign runners have already indicated interest to be at the event.
He disclosed that the September 9 race will start at 7am depending on the weather situation.
The first prize for foreign runners is 5 000 dollars, second 3, 000 dollars, third 2, 000, the fourth 1,500 dollars and fifth 1,000 dollars.
For the Nigerian runners, N2m is for first, N1m for second, N500,000 for third , N 300,000 for fourth and fifth place will get N 200, 000.
