This is the best of times for indigenes of the Remo Division and the Ijebu nation. This weekend, two things of world significance will happen in the lives of the people known for their hard work, creativity, and perseverance.
First, the maiden IAU African Championship, which will feature runners from more than 30 African countries, will happen in Remo on Saturday morning. Then, it would be followed later by the biggest sporting event of the day, the world heavyweight boxing title rematch between the son of the soil, Anthony Joshua and his adversary, Andy Ruiz Jr., a Mexican-American, who many see as the usurper of Joshua’s throne.
And African 400m women record holder, Falilat Ogunkoya believes that when all is done and dusted, there will be a double joy for the people.
“I know it would be celebration galore this weekend,” Ogunkoya assured. “Joshua will regain his title, just as we will witness a grand finish to the ultra-race championships.”
Already, dignitaries for the ultra-race championships from across the continent have started arriving in Nigeria.
Ogunkoya thanks the president of the International Association of Ultra-runners in Africa, Solomon Ogba for bringing the first edition of Valuejet IAU African Championships to Remo, Ogun State.
The event Tagged ‘Remo 2019’ is slated for Saturday and it is currently the most-talked-about running event in Nigeria and across borders.
30 African countries have registered to participate in the 50-kilometre race while fun runners also have the opportunity to participate in the five-kilometer fun run, which starts at the Ikenne Central Mosque and ends at the Sagamu International Stadium.
Ogunkoya noted that this is the first IUA event in this part of the world in 35 years and one would have thought that Ogba would have taken it to his domain, but he has chosen to allow Remo Town to get the honour.
“The people of Remo and indeed Ogun State are grateful to Chief Ogba for being a true Nigerian and for giving us the opportunity to host runners from across the different countries.
“The whole town is grateful and I can assure you that everyone is looking forward to this weekend, apart from the race, everyone would also have a chance to explore the tourism potentials of Ogun State,” Ogunkoya, who is the President Of the Ogun State Athletics Association stated.
Ogunkoya also thanked Valuejet and other sponsors supporting ‘Remo 2019’ for making what seemed like a tall dream to become a reality.
The President of the South-West Athletics Association also expressed gratitude to the likes of Kunle Soname and Bukola Olopade, who both have been supportive in organising this epoch-making event.
