Kunle Adelabu
-As Ayangbure unveils 7th edition logo, gives royal blessings
The Ikorodu metropolitan area will once again come alive with hundreds of secondary school students all over Ikorodu Division taking over the streets on October 1st, 2026, with the annual Oba Kabir Shotobi Independence Day Mini -Marathon after five years of hiatus.
This time around the return of the sporting event which has produced many talents and brought attention to the city, is being made possible through a collaboration between the original initiator – Onward Movement of Nigeria, a working platform for the former Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Chief) Sanai Bolanle Agunbiade, and the Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
The logo for the 7th edition of the marathon was unveiled on Thursday by His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu at the Ayangbure Palace, with a royal pledge that Ikorodu will sustain the initiative that unites Ikorodu Division, discovers and develops young sporting talents, promotes physical fitness, encourages healthy living, and uses sports as a vehicle for community and economic development.
Two trophies were also presented for the 10km race commencing from the Ayangbure palace to the Ikorodu town hall, Ikorodu.
In his royal remarks, Oba Shotobi lauded the initiator of the mini marathon, Hon. Agunbiade and his group for the initiative and its impacts on youths.
The royal father also commended the cooperation between the Onward Movement and the IKODASS in bringing back the race.
While emphasising the importance of youth engagement and development to societal growth and productivity, the royal father stated that the marathon initiative is a boost to Ikorodu’s image and it has also placed the kingdom on the global map.
Oba Shotobi appealed to corporate bodies, individuals and groups to support the initiative, while assuring the organisers of the Independence Day Marathon the annual event would be sustained.
The royal father also mentioned Prince Hakeem Olukunga, former Board member, Lagos State Sports Commission and Prince Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, former Director -General, Lagos State Sports Commission and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ikorodu Constituency I seat, for making good use of their offices when they served in the commission.
Chairman of the organising committee, 2026 Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi Independence Day Mini Marathon, Pastor Akeem Bello, stated that the partnership with IKODASS is to expand the competition and make the marathon initiative achieve its set objectives.
“This year’s edition is particularly significant because it is being jointly organised by the Onward Movement of Nigeria and the Ikorodu Development Association-IKODASS This partnership is intended to broaden the vision of the competition and bring our communities together under one platform.”
“Our objective is clear: To unite Ikorodu Division, discover and develop young sporting talents, promote physical fitness, encourage healthy living, and use sports as a vehicle for community and economic development.
“This marathon is therefore more than a race. It is a movement. It is a platform for youth empowerment. It is a celebration of unity and it is a celebration of Nigeria.”
Pastor Bello also said that the race which was sponsored solely by the former Majority Leader in its six past editions afforded young people the opportunity to discover their ability in long distance race.
“This competition has provided a platform through which young athletes have discovered their talents and gone on to perform creditably at local, state, national, and international levels.
“Among the athletes associated with the competition is Esther Afigbo, together with other promising athletes who have continued to make us proud. Several schools have also emerged as winners and strong competitors, including Oriwu College Ikorodu; Shamsudeen Grammar School Ikorodu, Ikorodu Grammar School, Imota Community Grammar School, and other schools across the division.”
Unveiling pre -marathon race activities, he said about 500 students are expected to participate in the 7th edition.
According to him, list of the athletes shortlisted for medical screening will be published at IKODASS OFFICE, Ikorodu Town Hall and Hon. SOB Agunbiade Constituency Office, Oke Ota Ona, Ikorodu, on 21st September 2026, while the screening will hold between 23rd-25th September 2026 at the Hon. Agunbiade Constituency Office.
Final list of athletes qualified to participate in the race will be published on Monday, 28th September 2026 and familiarisation with the race routes will hold on Tuesday, 29th September 2026.
While calling for support for the independence race, the organising chairman, assured participants and residents of Ikorodu of a better and bigger event.
“Let it represent excellence. And let it represent our collective love for Nigeria.
“We believe that the 2026 edition will be bigger, better, and more impactful. Together, let us build a stronger sporting culture. Together, let us discover the champions of tomorrow.”
In his own contribution, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola, Chairman, Ikorodu- Oga Development Association (IKODASS), described the partnership as a significant milestone in youth and community development.
“Today marks another significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote healthy living, unity, youth development and community engagement in Ikorodu.”
“The idea behind this Mini Marathon is not merely about running a race. It is about building a healthier, stronger and more united community. It is about encouraging our people, particularly our youths, to embrace physical fitness, discipline, determination and positive lifestyles.”
While commending the idea of naming the sporting event in honour of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, the IKODASS Chairman, emphasised the significance of the competition.
“I wish to state that the Mini Marathon is also an opportunity to discover and encourage sporting talents within our community. Ikorodu Division is blessed with energetic and talented young people, and programmes such as this can provide them with platforms to demonstrate their abilities, develop confidence and pursue positive opportunities through sports.”
“Beyond competition, we want this event to promote the message that good health is a collective responsibility. Regular physical activity contributes to healthier living, while community sporting events create opportunities for interaction, friendship and social cohesion.”
He too appealed to corporate bodies, groups and individuals to also support and assist the organisers in sustaining the initiative.
