Excitement as Reps Member, Wife host annual city marathon

Excitement as Reps Member, Wife host annual city marathon 

By Wilson Macaulay

Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde Honourable Member of the House of  Representatives, representing the good people of Ondo East and West federal Constituency at the National Assembly, and his wife,Dr Rhoda Makinde,founder of Dr Rhoda Makinde Initiative, DROMI, host annual Ondo City Marathon. 

Countdown to Christmas celebration, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde, has hosted the 2022 annual Ondo City Marathon amidst pomp and pageantry. 

Makinde hosted the fascinating event in tandem with his wife's foundation, Dr. Rhoda Makinde Initiative (DROMI) on Saturday in Ondo City. 

Ladened with crowd which stormed the venue to catch a glimpse of the eye-catching activities, the marathon commenced at around 8am and the marathoners started and ended it at the Ondo Sport Stadium Complex in the milieu. 

In the male category, Shaba Dare Eniola came first, Osudale Taiwo took second position while Adeyemi Tunde Segun came third. 

Meanwhile, in the female category, Saibu Yetunde came first, Alabi Yemisi  second, and Afeez Rashidat came third. 

However, in the children category, Ayodeji funbi, Omoniyi Success and Olakunle Michael took first, second and third positions respectively. 

Hon. Makinde in his speech, said it was important to support sporting events so as to return vitality and encourage lovers of sports never to loose hope. 

He said, “ I congratulate all the winners in all categories today. The aim of hosting this marathon annually remains sacrosanct having seen how giant strides are made by Nigerians all over the world in sports. 

“Recently, we saw  how well Tobi Amusan excelled on international stage. She is now the current World, Commonwealth and African champion in the 100m hurdles, as well as the meet record holder in those three competitions. 

“Also recently, our own Ondo-born Musibau Adebisi is a national champion at National Sports Festival Men's 200m finals. There is no limit for what we can achieve as a person as long as we keep trying and investing the necessary effort and personal sacrifices." 

The lawmaker, also encouraged young people to sustain their passion in sport-related activities and relentlessly develop their God-given talent as luck will shine someday. 

He, however, implored well-to-do sons and daughters of Ondo to pay attention to the young people in sport and give them support where and when necessary. 

Speaking earlier at event, the Convener of the annual Ondo City Marathon, Otunba Tony Adeniranye, thanked the Member House of Representatives and his wife for hosting another great edition of the marathon, appreciating the athletes who came in to participate from far and wide and those who supported in diverse forms to achieve the success of this edition.