Iyewumi Adebii
-As medical screening ends Friday
So far, about 100 participants from about 15 Senior Secondary Schools across Ikorodu Division, have registered and presented themselves for the mandatory medical screening for the 7th edition of the Oba Kabir Shotobi Indpendence Day Mini – Marathon, while more schools have continued to turn out for the exercise.
The screening, which is being conducted by medical experts at the Hon. SOB Agunbiade Constituency Office at Grammar School, Oke Ota -Ona, Ikorodu, started on Wednesday, September 23, and will end on Friday, September 25, 2026.
On the first day of the screening exercise, six schools registered students among which were Oriwu Senior Model College, lkorodu, Homat Comprehensive College, Igbogbo; Enodab Rainbow School, Luwasa Senior High School, Ijede; Oreyo Senior Grammar School, lgbogbo, and Zumratul Islamiyyah High School, Igbogbo.
Other schools that participated in the exercise on the second day (Thursday, 24) included Frontrunner Academy, Ikorodu; Ikorodu Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu; Total Smart College, Agbele, and Fatom Private School.
Medical personnel from the General Hospital, lkorodu, were deployed to conduct the medical checks which covered blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Ambulances from the Lagos State Sports Commission and General Hospital, lkorodu, were also stationed at the venue to provide medical support and respond to emergencies if required.
The 10-kilometre race, which is an annual Independence Day event, initiated and sponsor by the former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, was suspended five years and now returning after the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) entered into partnership with the former lawmaker’s operational body – Onward Movement of Nigeria, the body responsible for the organization of the race.
Chairman of the organising committee, Pastor Akeem Bello, on Thursday, informed THE IMPACT that 69 students had been screened as at Wednesday, with the number still increasing.
“As at yesterday (Wednesday), we had about 69 students who were screened for the event. As at today, the numbers are increasing and we are hoping that more schools would still come before the close of the screening tomorrow (today)”, Bello said.
He said that the screening is a major part of preparations for the Oba Shotobi Independence Day Mini-Marathon, which us returning after a five-year hiatus.
One of the medical officers involved in the exercise, said that all students screened so far had met the medical requirements, stressing that there was no adverse report recorded.
For some of the young athletes, the screening is the latest step in their preparations for the race.
Adele Oluwadamilola, an SS2 student of Total Smart College, said that her previous experience in a similar marathon has given her confidence ahead of the competition.
“I participated in a marathon two years ago, so I have no fear going into this one. I have been preparing every day, and my mum wakes me up every morning to exercise and stay fit. I want to make her proud”, she said.
Another participant, Ayoola Emmanuel of Total Smart College, said he sees the competition as an opportunity to add to his athletic achievements.
“Winning this competition would mean a lot to me because it would be another achievement in my athletic journey. I was a runner-up the last time I participated in a marathon. So, I am fired up for this one. I believe I can make my school proud”, he said.
According to the organizing committee, the final list of students that qualified to participate in the race, will be released on Monday, September 28.
