The heartbeat of Yorubaland, Ile-Ife, is set to vibrate differently this week as the ancient city hosts its first-ever Olojo Festival 5km Road Race. Organisers have promised nothing less than a “world-class” spectacle, blending culture, athletics, and tourism in a way never before seen in Nigeria.
The race, billed for Thursday, September 25, will run side-by-side with the historic Olojo Festival. Backed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and packaged by Sooko Adeleke Odewade in partnership with the Alade’fa Athletic Family Initiative, the event is already drawing attention across the country.
Race Director, Tony Osheku, a former national distance runner, explained why the chosen 5km distance matters: “This race is for everyone. Whether you’re an elite, a youth, or an amateur jogger, you can run it. That’s the spirit of Olojo—we celebrate together.”
Beyond competition, the organisers say their target is youth empowerment. Winners are expected to walk away with cash prizes, but the real prize lies in the mentorship scheme. Promising runners will be linked with professional coaches, academic scholarships, and veteran athletes for guidance, ensuring the race doesn’t end at the finish line.
The route will snake through historic landmarks of Ile-Ife, turning the streets into a live museum of Yoruba culture. Tourists and locals alike are expected to cheer runners on, making the race both a sporting event and a cultural carnival. Certificates of participation will be given to all, while corporate sponsors and local businesses are tipped to gain big from the influx of visitors.
For Ile-Ife, the Olojo 5km Road Race is more than just running shoes hitting the asphalt—it’s a statement that the cradle of Yoruba civilisation can host global-standard sporting events. The question now is whether this bold first step will become a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s cultural and sporting calendar.
