Abeokuta Marathon: Olopade, Lotus Bank get Alake’s praise

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

The Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadejo has commended the former Ogun State Commissioner For Sports and CEO/ MD of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Bukola Olopade for his efforts in using the annual Abeokuta 10 kilometer marathon to showcase Egba to the outside world.

The Paramount ruler of all Egbas made the commendation when Olopade led members of the management staff of  his company and top managers of the title sponsors of the race; Lotus Bank to pay a courtesy visit on the Monarch in his Palace to formally brief him on  the third edition of the race.

The Royal father while praying for a successful event noted that Olopade is a true son of Egbaland as he has used the marathon to showcase Egbas to the outside world as well as give opportunity to youths to embark in meaningful activities.

Oba Ggbadejo described the involvement of Lotus Bank in this year’s edition as a noble one which must be commended even as he described the establishment of the bank’s branch in his domain as one of his life’s greatest achievement and enjoyed citizens of Ogun State to continue to  patronize the bank as it’s a friendly financial institution.

Earlier in his remarks, Olopade thanked the Monarch for the peaceful existence in Abeokuta since he ascended to the throne of his fore fathers  and the physical, spiritual and moral support he has been given to the race organisers since the maiden edition three years ago.

Olopade told the highly respected Oba that the visit was to officially intimate him about the forthcoming marathon which the organisers have planned to coincide with the Monarch’s 80th birthday celebration and to also seek his royal blessing and fatherly advise.

In his own remarks, Lotus Bank Group Head, South West Marketing, Ola Brodre-Mends told the Monarch that his bank is happy having it’s presence in Abeokuta as well as partnering Nilayo Sports in organising the race which he described as part of the bank’s social responsibility function.

He commended the Monarch for his support to the bank since they established their presence in the state capital, promising that the bank will always support initiatives aimed at developing the town.

Also speaking, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Iyabo Rotimi stated that the state government is happy with what Olopade, who is also an Egba High Chief is doing to empower the youths through sports, pledging that the state government will continue to give him all necessary support to succeed.