Run For Asiwaju Mini Marathon: Participants To Get Over N2m Cash Prizes

Yomi Durojaye

As part of efforts to promote unity, sports development, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of Asiwaju 2027 and beyond, the organising committee of the Run for Asiwaju 2027 Mini Marathon paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Akinola Idowu the Executive Chairman of Orile Agege LCDA.

The committee was warmly received by the  Chairman, Hon. Idowu.

The visit was aimed at seeking formal endorsement and consolidating institutional support for the forthcoming marathon.

Addressing members of the press, at the press conference held at Orile Agege,  the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Dipo Liadi outlined the vision, aims, and objectives of the initiative. 

He explained that the mini marathon is designed to mobilise residents of Agege Local Government and Orile-Agege LCDA, using sports as a unifying platform to promote collective participation, healthy living, and social inclusion in the build-up to 2027.

He noted that the race will feature 1,000 participants, grouped into various categories including special persons, VIPs, politicians, members of the National Union of Teachers, professionals, youths, and women, with each category distinguished by unique attire.

The prize structure was also unveiled, with 200 winners set to receive ₦10,000 each, while professional athletes will compete for top prizes of ₦50,000 each, bringing the total prize pool to ₦2,350,000.

The route will commence from Agege Local Government Secretariat, proceeding through Pen Cinema Bridge, Oke-Koto Junction, Oniwaya, Dopemu, Agbotikuyo, and culminating at the Orile-Agege LCDA Secretariat.

Notable dignitaries expected at the event include Hon. Akinola Idowu, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa , Hon. Johnson Babatunde , Yomi Otubela, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi , Ota Solo, and several other prominent personalities.

Mr. Liadi Oladipo further disclosed that the committee’s next major programme after the marathon will be a boxing competition, reinforcing their commitment to sustained sports development within the community.

In his response, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Akinola Idowu Dodo, commended the organisers for initiating the project with personal resources despite not receiving financial backing at the early stage. 

He assured them of the full support of both Agege LGA and Orile-Agege LCDA, noting that the initiative transcends politics and is aimed at uniting the people through sports.

He revealed that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been briefed and is fully in support of the programme. According to the Chairman, sports remains a powerful tool for social cohesion and youth engagement, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Hon. Akinola further disclosed that engagements with the state government have commenced to hand over sports facilities for effective management, with venues such as Ilepako Field, Ladoje Field, Oyewole Field, and other community sports centres already receiving attention.

The programme, powered by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, concluded with an interactive media session, during which questions from journalists were comprehensively addressed by the Executive Chairman.

The Run for Asiwaju 2027 Mini Marathon is set to stand as a landmark sporting event, reinforcing unity, healthy living, and collective progress for Agege and Orile-Agege, beyond 2027.

COWLSO REWARDS PARTICIPANTS WITH NEW HOUSE, GAC TRUCK, RETURN TICKETS TO GHANA, LONDON, OTHERS

Yomi Durojaye 

… As Governor Sanwo-Olu Gives Lucky Participant ₦20 Million Prize, Lauds Cowlso’s Enduring Legacies 

The 25th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) came to a colourful and memorable close on Thursday night at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with several lucky participants emerging winners of exciting star prizes, including a brand-new GAC pickup, a new home, and a ₦20 million cash reward, among other star prize winners. 

The high point of the glamorous Gala Night on Wednesday was the announcement of a ₦20 Million Prize award to Mrs. Florence Obayomi-Davies, a staff member of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Other star prize winners included Mrs. Olusola Oduguwa, a retired Permanent Secretary and pensioner, who became the proud owner of a new home, and Ms. Thelma Abidemi Madume, a staff of Coker Aguda LCDA, who went home with a brand-new GAC pickup truck.

Additionally, Mrs. Adekemi Folorunsho and Mrs. Ayisat Yebode each won return tickets to Ghana, while Mrs. Oluwatoyin Bolanle Falade , the wife of Mosan-Okunola Vice Chairman received a return ticket to London.

As the 25th Annual National Women’s Conference came to a grand close on Thursday, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu lauded the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) for its enduring legacy of empowering women, transforming families, and inspiring generations. 

Delivering his closing address at the conference, the Governor described the milestone as not just a celebration of a legacy but a renewal of a movement dedicated to uplifting women and strengthening society.

“Over the past few days, we have not only celebrated a legacy, we have renewed a movement,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We have reflected on 25 years of purpose, passion, and progress. Together, we have envisioned the next generation of women who will carry this legacy forward.”

The Governor paid glowing tribute to the rebirth of COWLSO under the visionary leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON, who revitalised the organisation during her tenure as First Lady of Lagos State, and commended the dynamic leadership of the current Chairperson, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for sustaining the vision and expanding its impact across the state and nation.

“What began as a gathering of women with shared values has become a force that uplifts families, transforms communities, and shapes policy conversations across Nigeria,” he noted.

Sanwo-Olu urged women to take the spirit of COWLSO back to their communities by turning conference conversations into actionable impact, mentoring others, and leading with compassion and courage. “The next 25 years will depend on how boldly we continue to mentor, to serve, and to lead,” he added.

Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated COWLSO on reaching its 25th anniversary, expressing optimism that its legacy of compassion, courage, and collaboration would continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu expressed profound joy and gratitude to God for the success of the Silver Jubilee edition of the conference, which had the theme: “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation.”

She described the 25th anniversary edition as a true celebration of women’s strength, brilliance, and resilience, adding that the conference had provided participants with valuable insights and renewed purpose to drive change in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

“Our interactions over the past three days have once again shown that when women come together with passion and focus, the results are always inspiring,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said. “The raffle draw winners remind us that every woman’s dream is valid and achievable.”

The First Lady commended all the distinguished guests who graced the conference, particularly the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, who joined virtually during the opening ceremony with a heartwarming goodwill message.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu further lauded the Conference Planning Committee led by Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu for their commitment and meticulous execution of the landmark edition. She extended appreciation to all COWLSO members, development partners, sponsors, and the media for their invaluable support.

Reaffirming COWLSO’s mission to continue inspiring and mentoring women, Dr. Sanwo-Olu charged participants to uphold the spirit of the Silver Jubilee by spreading the values of leadership, compassion, and service.

“Let us go forth as ambassadors of COWLSO’s Visionary Legacy, inspiring others and transforming our communities in ways that truly reflect the spirit of this Silver Jubilee,” she urged.

The Wednesday evening climaxed with the Gala Night, a radiant showcase of music, dance, laughter, and sisterhood, as delegates celebrated 25 years of impactful service, mentorship, and empowerment for women in Lagos State and beyond.

On behalf of COWLSO, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, expressed profound appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the landmark silver jubilee edition. 

In the vote of thanks, Mrs. Hamzat acknowledged the faithfulness of God for the smooth and impactful hosting of the conference, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation.”

 Mrs. Hamzat charged participants to uphold the conference’s theme by continuing to build stronger and healthier communities for the good of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

#AGreaterLagosRising

#LASG