(AYANGBUREN OF IKORODU KINGDOM) OBA KABIR ADEWALE SHOTOBI UNVEILS OFFICIAL 2021 INDEPENDENCE MINI-MARATHON LOGO ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

Initiator of the annual Oba Shotobi independence mini marathon across Ikorodu division, Hon SOB Agunbiade stated that going forward with this year’s edition is a green light from the Lagos state ministry of Education putting every modality in place to carry out a successful sports competition.

Agunbiade, The majority leader of the lagos state house of assembly representing Ikorodu constituency 1 made it known at the official unveiling of it’s 2021 independence mini marathon logo at the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu on the 15th of September 2021.

Slated to hold on the 1st of October, 750 forms has already been distributed across schools in Ikorodu division creating rooms for new and better opportunities to be presented to all aspiring upcoming athletes in the region.

“This event is done annually to commemorate Nigeria Independence day and also to celebrate the Ayangburen of Ikorodu kingdom, for his support towards the youths. It started with just 95 participants in 2015 but so far it has increased drastically over the years based on the need to create more opportunities for our young shall grow athletes in Ikorodu division” Hon SOB Agunbiade

“Today, we’re unveiling the official logo for the event which is our normal tradition, and our Kabiesi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu kingdom (Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi) will do us the honour to unveil it”

“We’re not hosting this mini-marathon to expose the children, we will not because of sport put them in danger or an unpleasant situation, that’s why we always conduct tests for them (on blood pressure status) before the mini-marathon for us to screen them properly. Even though we have given out 750 forms, some will not qualify due to the screening process on health grounds”

“We will outsource experts from the ministry of health to handle the screening process, and also we’re working with the Lagos state sports commission to ensure athletes are physically fit to join the mini-marathon. Targeting children between the ages of 10-16 to comply with the International standard for a mini-marathon event”

“The two giant trophies at the unveiling were provided by the Tutor general for Education district 2 (Mrs Adekanye Anike) because of what she has heard about the event and also her love for children. Honestly, We have satisfied the purpose of organising this event because as you can see, the build-up is buzzing. Bringing youths together for healthy rivalries is part of the aim. With past winners emerging from Imota and ijede, the event displays an unbiased sequence”

“Covid-19 pandemic prevented us from holding the event in 2020, But in 2021 we went through the ministry of Education and they gave us the approval to carry on with this epic sporting event. People have been longing to see what happens in October due to reasons that everyone stays at home for the holiday. They’ve missed seeing our young ones running around on that day, We shall make it more exciting as usual come October 1st” Hon SOB Agunbiade Added

In his remarks after unveiling the official 2021 logo for the mini-marathon, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom appreciated the organisers of the event urging participants to get fully prepared ahead in the annual competition.

“Independence day October 1st is special for Nigeria, and for us as Nigerians, we must mark it similarly. This mini-marathon has been running for 7 years and on each edition there is always improvement in the standards, This year will not be any different as we’re expecting to see the event present fantastic young talented individuals across Ikorodu division”

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, as you can see the extent to which they are picking up the forms, it indicates excitement and high-level expectations”

“We have heard that some of those who had participated subsequently received scholarships both at the state and federal level. While we have some who have been sponsored to Texas in the united states of America to further their careers, it means this is a door opener for eligible athletes” Ayangburen Of Ikorodu Kingdom added

The unveiling saw special guests which included Oba Kasali Orimadegun (Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom), Oba Olukayode David Raji (The Eweye Of Isiwu), Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru and other special dignitaries at the event.