…Athletes From Plateau, Delta, Ondo Emerge As Idjerhe Marathon Winners
By Theophilus Onojeghen
The first-ever Idjerhe Marathon was successfully staged in Delta State, drawing athletes from all 36 states of the federation, including serving military, naval, and police officers, with an athlete from Plateau State winning the grand prize.
No fewer than 75 athletes from across the country participated and competed for a ₦300,000 star prize in what has now become one of the region’s biggest emerging sporting events.
The race, themed “Legacy Run to Promote the Rising of Idjerhe Kingdom,” was organized to celebrate the 5th coronation anniversary of the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty, King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey, PhD., Udurhie I.
The high-power event was sponsored by FENCSO Event Sports Management and Marketing, Seplat Energy, and D’Life Dynasty.
Co-convener and sponsor, Engr. Usman Sanni of D’Life Dynasty, said the marathon forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, designed to introduce a fresh, unifying sporting tradition to the kingdom and honour its revered monarch.
According to him, the “Legacy Run” represents a shared commitment to health, unity, and progress for indigenes and non-indigenes as well as to honour the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, one of Nigeria’s first-class royal fathers.
“We wanted to bring something new to our community. The best way to unite this community is to have our own marathon in honour of the traditional ruler,” he said.
“The ‘Legacy Run’ symbolises a brighter future for Idjerhe and we hope today’s event inspires lasting interest in sports across the kingdom and beyond.”
While flagging off the event, His Majesty, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, applauded the organisers, especially Engr. Longlife Eko of D’Life Dynasty, for initiating the historic competition and promised to make the sports event an annual event.
He praised the event for promoting unity, development, public awareness, and political participation, stressing that the marathon’s results proved its credibility.
The top four athletes emerged from Plateau, Delta, Ondo, and Idjerhe, which the monarch noted as evidence that the event was merit-based and not skewed to favour locals.
“This will bring unity, oneness, development and awareness,” the monarch said.
He added, “We had participants from almost all 36 states, and we hope to attract West African runners in the next edition.”
He urged Idjerhe people to remain peaceful and united to attract more development, assuring that the marathon will become an annual fixture, potentially accompanied by free medical outreach and cultural activities.
Congratulating the competitors, Udurhie 1, commended the athletes for their resilience, stating, “Your courage and endurance reflect the true spirit of Idjerhe. Whether you ran to win or to challenge yourself, finishing the race is itself a victory.”
Emmanuel Dung from Plateau State emerged the overall winner of the maiden edition of Idjerhe marathon race , while Promise Omors from Delta and Dare from Ondo States emerged second and third position respectively.
The event attracted several sons and daughters of the Kingdom including the Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, the Crown Otota (Iyasere) of the Great Idjerha Kingdom, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Halim Agoda among others.
