Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined the 12th Ibadan City Marathon on Sunday, saying his participation was to promote good governance, youth empowerment, and national development.
Speaking to journalists at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, where the event organised by Splash FM’s parent company, West Midland Communications, was flagged off, Sowore said long-distance running has always been his passion and a platform for raising awareness on national issues.
“I’m running for the cause of liberation, good governance, and the empowerment of citizens,” he said.
The marathon, returning after a four-year hiatus, produced Mathias Gotwen and Charity Agbofure as winners in the men’s and women’s 42.19km races. Gotwen finished first in 2:35:24 to claim N1.2 million, while Agbofure crossed the line in 3:00:07 to secure N800,000.
Friday Yohama and Iliya Dang placed second and third in the men’s category, earning N500,000 and N300,000 respectively. In the women’s race, Elizabeth Nuhu and Erinle Olude Fadekemi finished behind Agbofure, winning N400,000 and N200,000.
The 5km races went to Abubakar Ayomide and Adebayo Fathia in the men’s and women’s categories. A special highlight came from 76-year-old retired soldier Enibukun Oyewole, who completed the 5km course, recalling his love for running since 1973.
Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke Adefemi, praised the revival of the marathon, reaffirming the government’s commitment to grassroots sports. Olori Onikepo Akande, wife of Splash FM’s founder, expressed appreciation for the event’s return, while the station’s General Manager, ’Tunde Olawuwo, assured it would continue to grow in prominence.
Earlier, West Midland Communications founder, Oba Adebayo Akande, thanked stakeholders for supporting the marathon’s revival.
