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Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo emerged as male and female winners respectively in the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km race in Ogun State on Saturday.
Francis James led the men’s field from the end, completing the 10km race in 30:25.33 to claim the $1,000 first prize.
Ilya Raymond finished second in 30:38.06 to raise $750, while Gyang Sunday completed the men’s podium in 30:47.00 and received $500.
The women’s race followed a similar pattern, with Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo taking first position after finishing in 35:00.69 to win $1,000.
Bulus Mary Jah placed second in 35:58.71 and received $750, while Nwantiyi Teyei Davou finished third in 36:03.09 and took home $500.
The results reflected the competitive nature of the race, which brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and the public at the fifth edition of the event in Abeokuta.
For the winners, the achievement was also a reward for their preparation and an opportunity to compete on a platform that continues to attract athletes to the city.
Francis James said he was glad to see his preparation pay off after crossing the finish line first, while acknowledging the platform provided by the organisers.
“I’m very happy with the win,” James said.
“It feels good to see all the hard work and preparation paying off. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here and I want to thank the organizers for putting on such a great race and giving athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves.”
Raymond, who finished second, said he was pleased with his performance and excited to have secured a place among the leading athletes.
“I’m happy and excited to have been a winner. It feels great to see all the effort and preparation pay off.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to compete here and want to thank the organizers for putting on a race that gives athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves,” he said.
Gyang, who completed the men’s podium, said he was delighted to finish in the top three and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow.
“I’m happy to be one of the people on the podium. It’s a good feeling to finish among the best athletes, especially in a race like this. I appreciate the organizers for giving us the opportunity to compete, and I hope this initiative continues to grow and attract even more athletes in the years to come,” he said.
In the women’s category, Akanbi said the victory was particularly satisfying after the work put into its preparation.
He also praised the organizers for creating an opportunity for athletes to compete.
“I am very happy to have won the women’s race. It was not easy but I am glad that all the hard work paid off. I congratulate the organizers for creating this opportunity and for the effort they put in to make the race a success. I hope that the Abeokuta 10km race continues to grow and gives more athletes the opportunity to compete at this level,” she said.
The race was organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and attracted sports enthusiasts, dignitaries and residents from different parts of Abeokuta.
CEO Yetunde Olopade said the organizers were satisfied with the outcome and praised the athletes and participants for their commitment throughout the event.
He also thanked the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners including Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, 7UP and Aquafina for supporting the race.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this year’s Abeokuta 10km race. The quality, organization and enthusiasm shown by the participants has shown once again what can be achieved when everyone comes together.
“We thank the Ogun State Government, our sponsors, partners and everyone who contributed to making this race a colorful and successful event. Nilayo Sports Management Limited will continue to maintain the class and quality the company is known for,” Olopade said.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, also used the event to highlight the broader opportunities being created for athletes as sporting events continue to grow in Nigeria.
In particular, he highlighted equal prize money for male and female winners, saying such measures could help promote equality in sport.
“I have always been a supporter of equality. When you look at what Nilayo has done here, giving equal prize money to men and women, it is something we should encourage,” he said.
“The Nigerian sports ecosystem is getting bigger and with events like this, we are creating more avenues for our athletes to thrive, compete and earn a living from sports.”
Also speaking after the race, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, commended Nilayo Sports Management Limited for organizing another road race and commended Abeokuta residents for their support.
Dare said the event demonstrated Nigeria’s potential to host high-quality sports competitions while encouraging participation in sports and healthy living.
“Nilayo has once again proven that we can host world-class sporting events in Nigeria. This is a world-class event and the participation of the people of Abeokuta demonstrates the passion Nigerians have for sports and healthy living,” he said.
The race also provided an opportunity for residents to participate in physical activities while highlighting Abeokuta’s potential as a destination for road races and other sporting events.
Among the dignitaries present were the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.
