Akarigbo of Remo pledges support for 50km Ultra Race

Photo: The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, received a commemorative medal Of the Remo 50km Ultra Race, from the CEO of Nilayo Sports Marketing, Hon Bukola Olopade, Tuesday at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu, Ogun state.

One of Nigeria’s paramount traditional rulers, The Akarigbo of Remo land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, has pledged his kingdom’s support for the success of the Valuejet 50km Remo Ultra Race which has been scheduled to hold in Sagamu, Ogun State on December 7, 2019.
The Akarigbo noted that, he has concluded plans with the Remo Traditional Council members made up of top rulers across the nook and cranny of Remoland, to mobilise the sons and daughters of Remoland to be a part of the Valuejet IAU African Championship Remo 2019.

He said: “We are very much happy that this historic event is taking place in Remo land. I want to assure that we are going to welcome the world on December 7 to Sagamu, because we want to be part of the history as the 50km Ultra Race African Championship is the first in the continent.”

Oba Adewale Ajayi said at the reception of the delegation of the Organising Committee led by the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Marketing Company, Honourable Bukola Olopade, to his palace in Sagamu, that Remo 2019 Valuejet Ultra Race have the royal blessing from all the traditional rulers in Remo land.

“The first edition of the Ultra Race is very unique because it falls into the period of the anniversary of his coronation as the Akarigbo of Remo land.

“We are passionate about the development of our youth and I see sports and more importantly this race as a good platform to develop our youth and also to expose our tourism potentials to the world. Our hotels are ready to warmly receive the runners from over 30 countries.

“We are going to give this Race all we have in terms of support and mobilisation of the local people,” the Akarigbo said.

To the CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the organisers of the event, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the race has already generated excitement among foreigners who are coming to take part in the event, adding that, athletes are expected from no fewer than 32 countries with at least five international athletes coming from each country to compete in both the individual and team events. The team event where each country will present five athletes each is the African Championship where countries will score points to qualify for the World Championship.

He disclosed that the 50km race which will terminate at Sagamu International Stadium will be full of fanfare with a lot of side attractions.

“Apart from the 50km race, we are going to have a 5km race specifically reserved for the locals and this has generated so much enthusiasm among the people with large numbers of registration,” Olopade said.

Ms. Yinka Ogundimu, Consultant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun told the Akarigbo and the over 40 traditional rulers of Remo land of the State Government’s support for the IAU championship. She added that, the African Championship is a good platform for the foreigners to explore Nigeria and Remo land in particular.

“We are expecting the world to enjoy the hospitality of the good people of Remo land on Saturday December 7, 2019. The Governor has promised to be physically present at the event as the Chief Host,” Ogundimu said.

Head of Operations of Valuejet Airlines, Mrs Yewande Cole, who represented the chairman of the company, Mr. Kunle Soname, said Valuejet is proud to be the titled sponsor of the IAU Championship. “We saw in the 50km Ultra Race as our own way of bringing the world together and a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions of Remo land to the world. We are not here for this first edition, we will be supporting the event on an annual basis,” Cole said.