By Victor Okoye
Lagos, Dec. 11, 2025 (NAN) Activities for the second Ajegunle City Youth Marathon began on Thursday with a colourful VIP race held ahead of Saturday’s main event.
The 2.5km VIP race, flagged off by Oba Moroof Amodu Tijani Amore III, started at Ifelodun LCDA and ended at Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government headquarters.
Oba Tijani praised organisers for sustaining a marathon that keeps youths away from crime and drugs, saying he is delighted the event is holding in his kingdom again.
He said, as a former Premier League referee and ex-Secretary-General of the Nigeria Referees Association, he understands the value of sports in youth development.
The monarch noted that Ajegunle remains a major hub of Nigerian sporting talent and pledged continued support for programmes that steer youths away from crime and drug abuse.
Chairman of Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Olamilekan Olu Akindipe, commended the initiative, saying it could groom future long-distance champions for Nigeria.
He pledged the council’s sustained backing for the marathon, noting its impact on youth empowerment and community development.
Immediate past Vice Chairman of the LGA, Lucky Uduikhue, said he was pleased that this year’s race is focused on anti-drug advocacy, describing drug abuse as a global menace.
Convener of the marathon, Isaac Moses, and LOC Chairman, Prince Ogaga Wowo, said this year’s edition will be bigger, with over 500 registered athletes nationwide.
They added that security has been fully arranged with the Police, Military and LASMA, and that the designated race route has been properly marked for safety.
The 10km Ajegunle City Youth Marathon, themed “Run to the Path of Light — Say No to Drugs”, will hold on Saturday, Dec. 13.
The race will start at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, and finish at the Nigerian Army Signals Barracks, Mile 2, with winners receiving medals, cash prizes and certificates. (NAN)
