Kenyans shine at Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race

Bimbola Adeyemo

A Kenyan, Peter Mwaniki, on Saturday,emerged the winner of the Lotus Bank 10km Abeokuta race , having covered the race in 28 minutes and 33 seconds.

While Kennedy Kipyeko and Abraham Akobeche also from Kenya won the second and third positions respectively.

 Charity Agofure also from Kenya came fourth while 28 year old,  Francis James from Nigeria came fifth.

The race started from Iyana Oloke junction-Onikobolo-Panseke-Omida-Isale -Igbein through to Sapon down to Ijemo to Itoko, Sake, Kugba and finally at the finish end, Ake Palace Ground.

The race was put together by Lotus Bank and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to commemorate the 80th birthday of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

The race was flagged off by Oba Gbadebo; the deputy governor of the state, Engr Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Lisa of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha; promoter of NSML, Hon. Bukola Olopade; the Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Kafilat Araoye amongst others.

Athletes frol China, Nigeria ,Eithopia and Kenya participated in the competition that had well over 2000 participants.

The first position was awarded $5, 000, the second position was awarded $3,000 while third position was given $1, 000, all in cheques .

 Salako-Oyedele congratulated all the athletes and assured that the state government would  continue to invest heavily in sports development.

The deputy governor said, “It’s an opportunity for people to start to look for a career in sport.  His excellency is committed to youth development. As we look forward to 2024, that Ogun state will be hosting the National Sport Festival, we also call upon youths to support our local organizing committee to participate and also be spectators.”

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