OSETOBA MARATHON: A Strategic Grassroot Sport Development Move
Emure-Ekiti is set to play host to one of the most anticipated grassroots sporting events in Ekiti State, as preparations gear up for the inaugural Osetoba Marathon, scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2025.The initiative, led by Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sport Development to the Ekiti State Governor, was formally unveiled during a press briefing with the Ekiti chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti.Describing the event as a deeply personal project, Dr. Osetoba made it clear that the marathon is not politically motivated but born out of a desire to give back to her roots. “This is a personal project and a way to give back to the community that raised me. It’s purposeful,” she said.Open exclusively to indigenes and residents of Emure-Ekiti, the marathon is designed to discover and reward emerging athletic talent. A wide range of cash prizes will be awarded to encourage participation:
• ₦250,000 for 1st place
• ₦150,000 for 2nd place
• ₦100,000 for 3rd place
• ₦50,000 for 4th
• ₦30,000 for 5th
• ₦20,000 each for positions 6th through 16th
In a strong push for gender inclusion, an additional ₦100,000 will be awarded to the first female finisher, regardless of her overall rank. Registration is now open at www.osetobamarathon.biodata.ng and organizers say the response has already been encouraging.The event has also received key endorsements from stakeholders across the state’s sporting landscape. Alhaji Qozeem Oladapo, Chairman of SWAN Ekiti, praised the initiative and pledged SWAN’s support to ensure the marathon gets the publicity it deserves. “SWAN is fully behind this event. We’ll leverage our platforms to give it the exposure it needs,” he said. Coach Kunle, Director of Individual Sports at the Ekiti State Sports Commission, also expressed the commission’s commitment to ensuring the race meets professional standards. “We’ll work closely with the organizers to deliver a well-structured and credible event,” he noted. From within Emure, excitement is already building. Osegbohun Anthony, a member of the Emure Marathon Committee, said residents are eagerly awaiting the race days. “There’s a real buzz in town already. People are looking forward to it — the community is ready,” he said. Dr. Osetoba noted that the Emure race is part of a broader grassroots sports development model being championed by the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. “What we’re doing in Emure is just the beginning. Similar programs are already happening across the state — from cricket development in Ikole and Ilejemeje to a local Ayo Olopon contest in Odo-Ado. Every town will be touched,” she added.Also present at the briefing were Hon. Kolawole Owoseni, Special Assistant on Sport Development; Mr. Ogundele, Acting General Manager of the Ekiti State Sports Commission; officials from the Sports Commission; members of the organizing committee; and several sports journalists.As the countdown to race day continues, hopes are high that the Osetoba Marathon will not only celebrate community pride but also uncover new athletic stars from the hometown of the number one Sport Administrator in Ekiti State.
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