By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Great Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State witnessed a historic event this weekend with the successful launch of the Otorho-Idjerhe marathon.
The race, a collaboration between FENCSO Event Sports Management and Marketing, Seplat Energy, and D’Life Dynasty, was held to celebrate the fifth coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP/Ph.D., Udurhie 1.
Held under the theme “Legacy Run to Promote the Rising of Idjerhe Kingdom,” the competition attracted athletes from all 36 states of the federation, including serving military, naval, and police officers, all vying for the star prize of N300,000.
A Vision for Unity and Health
Engineer Usman Sanni, a co-convener and sponsor from D’Life Dynasty, outlined the vision behind the event. He explained that the marathon was conceived as part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to both honour the monarch’s legacy and introduce a unifying activity to the region.
“We decided that the best way to unite this community is to have our own marathon in honour of our traditional ruler’s legacy,” Engr. Sanni stated.
“The ‘Legacy Run’ embodies a shared commitment to building a lasting heritage of health, unity, and progress for Idjerhe Kingdom. It is a symbolic run toward a brighter future.”
He expressed hope that the event would inspire a sustained interest in sports across the kingdom and beyond, with organisers committed to making it an annual occasion.
Monarch Hails Merit and Future Potential
The monarch, King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey, expressed profound gratitude to the organisers, singling out Engr. Longlife Eko of D’Life Dynasty for initiating the historic race.
“He emphasised the event’s power to foster “unity, oneness, development, awareness, and to a large extent, political participation by our people.”
Highlighting the fair and competitive nature of the event, King Whiskey noted that the top four winners hailed from Plateau, Delta, Ondo, and Idjerhe, respectively.
“We have not put on this Idjerhe Marathon to patronise local athletes alone,” he affirmed. “It was based on merit. We had representatives from almost all 36 states, and we now look forward to welcoming participants from other West African countries in the next edition.”
In a message to the competitors, he said: “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 a victory.”
Looking ahead, the King promised that the marathon would be held yearly and could be expanded to include complementary activities such as free medical services and cultural displays, provided the community maintains its peace and unity.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries from 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.
What's your reaction?
