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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The inaugural Otorho-Idjerhe marathon, a collaboration between FENCSO Event Sports Management and Marketing, Seplat Energy, and D’Life Dynasty, has been concluded in Delta State.
The event, themed “Legacy Run to Promote the Rising of Idjerhe Kingdom,” was organised to commemorate the 5th coronation anniversary of the paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty King Obukowho Monday Aurthor Whiskey, JP/Ph.D., Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom.
The landmark competition saw athletes, including serving military, naval, and police officers, travel from all 36 states of the federation to compete for a star prize of N300,000.
Engr. Usman Sanni, a co-convener and sponsor from D’Life Dynasty, explained that the marathon was part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to introduce a new, unifying activity to the area and honour the monarch’s legacy.
He stated that the “Legacy Run” promotes a shared commitment to health, unity, and progress for the Kingdom, with organisers hoping to make it an annual event and improve on their initial effort.
On the purpose of the event, Engr. Sanni said, “We, the management of D’Life Dynasty, like to bring something new to our community, so this event was part of that vision.
“We decided that the best way to unite this community is to have our own marathon in honour of the legacy of the traditional ruler.
“The ‘Legacy Run’ embodies its shared commitment to building a lasting heritage of health, unity, and progress for Idjerhe Kingdom.
“It is a symbolic run toward a brighter and more promising future, reflecting the rising prominence and pride of our beloved Kingdom.
“It is our hope that today’s event will inspire sustained interest in sports across Idjerhe Kingdom and beyond,” he added.
The monarch, King Obukowho Monday Aurthor Whiskey, expressed gratitude to the organisers, especially Engr. Longlife Eko of D’Life Dynasty, for initiating the historic race.
He highlighted the event’s potential to foster unity, development, public awareness, and political participation.
King Whiskey also stressed that the competition prioritises merit, noting that the top four winners hailed from Plateau, Delta, Ondo, and Idjerhe, respectively, showing it was not designed to favour local athletes.
On the impact and future plans of the event, King Whiskey said, “This will bring spirit unity, oneness and development, awareness, and, to a large extent, political participation by our people.
“We have representatives from almost 36 states of the federation, and we’re looking forward to having people from West African countries in the next edition.
“My message to the Idjerhe people is that united we can attract government attention to our developmental challenges and sports as one of the games that you can use to bring people together.
“We have not put up this Idjerhe Marathon to patronise local athletes alone. If our son and daughter take part in it and they come first or second, they will be so honoured…”
While congratulating the athletes and winners, he noted, “Your courage, endurance, and determination reflect the true spirit of Idjerhe. Whether you ran to win, to challenge yourself, or simply for the love of the sport you finished, and that alone is victory.”
He appealed to his people to maintain peace and unity to attract further development to the kingdom, promising that the event would be held yearly, possibly alongside new activities like free medical services and cultural displays.
The event attracted several sons and daughters of the Kingdom, including the Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, the Crown Otota (Iyasere) of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, and former House of Representatives member Hon. Halim Agoda, among others.
