The 2026 Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi Independence Day Mini Marathon has officially been unveiled as preparations gather momentum for the seventh edition of the annual sporting event in Ikorodu Division.
The official unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Ayangburen Palace, Ikorodu, with traditional rulers, community leaders, sports stakeholders, organizers and other distinguished guests in attendance.
The programme opened with the recitation of the Ikorodu Anthem, followed by the recognition of His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, members of the Council of Baales, traditional rulers and other guests.
Promoting Sports, Healthy Living and Youth Development
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola, described the mini marathon as an initiative created to promote healthy living, youth development, talent discovery, unity and community engagement.
He appreciated the contributions of Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade, the Onward Movement of Nigeria and other stakeholders whose efforts have supported the continuity of the competition.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Bello A.O., provided an overview of the history of the competition, explaining that the Independence Day Mini Marathon was initiated in 2016 by Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade as a way of celebrating Nigeria’s Independence through sports.
The competition was also designed to encourage sporting participation among public and private secondary schools across the Ikorodu Division and provide young athletes with opportunities to showcase their abilities.
In 2017, the competition was renamed the Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi Independence Day Mini Marathon in honour of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom and in recognition of his support for sports and youth development.
According to the organizing committee, the first six editions were organized by the Onward Movement of Nigeria and sponsored by Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade. Over the years, the competition has provided a platform for young athletes to develop their talents, with some participants progressing to competitions at local, state, national and international levels.
The 2026 edition marks the seventh edition and is being jointly organized by the Onward Movement of Nigeria and IKODASS.
Programme Schedule for 2026 Edition
The organizing committee has released a schedule of activities leading up to the main race.
September 14–18, 2026 — Athletes’ Registration
Participating athletes are expected to collect and submit their registration forms during the registration period.
September 17, 2026 — Press Conference and Official Unveiling
The official unveiling of the 2026 marathon and its logo took place at the Ayangburen Palace.
September 21, 2026 — Publication of Shortlisted Athletes
The list of athletes shortlisted for medical screening will be published at the IKODASS Office, Ikorodu Town Hall, and the Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade Constituency Office, Oke-Ota, Ikorodu.
September 23–25, 2026 — Medical Fitness Screening
Shortlisted athletes will undergo medical fitness screening at the Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade Constituency Office, Oke-Ota.
September 28, 2026 — Publication of Final Qualified Athletes
The final list of medically screened and qualified athletes will be published at the designated IKODASS and constituency offices.
September 29, 2026, 4:00 p.m. — Race Route Familiarization
Participating athletes will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the race route, starting from the Ayangburen Palace.
October 1, 2026, 7:00 a.m. — Main Race
The 10-kilometre Independence Day Mini Marathon will commence from the Ayangburen Palace and finish at Ikorodu Town Hall.
10-Kilometre Race Route
The race route will begin at Ayangburen Palace and pass through Suberu Ogunsanya Street, Bankoko Olowu Street, Etunrenren Street, Sunday Adebari Street, Wahab Balogun Street, Ikorodu Road, Ikorodu Roundabout, Shagamu Road, Itokin Road, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Kokoro Abu, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Oriwu Road, Gbasomo Street, Pasoku Street, Oriwu Road, Oba Sekumade Road and Olubi Street, before concluding at Ikorodu Town Hall.
Oba Shotobi Calls for Greater Support
In his remarks, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi expressed appreciation to IKODASS, the organizing committee and other stakeholders for their efforts in sustaining the mini marathon.
The traditional ruler particularly acknowledged Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade, the initiator, convener and executor of the initiative, for his involvement in promoting youth and sports development through the competition.
Oba Shotobi emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing sporting talents from an early age. He noted that young talents from Ikorodu have continued to gain recognition beyond the community, including at wider national and international levels.
The Kabiyesi also called on individuals, entrepreneurs, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to support the competition through sponsorship and financial contributions, while pledging his continued support for the initiative.
He further urged the media to continue projecting the objectives of the competition and highlighting opportunities available to young athletes.
Prince Olukoga Highlights Ikorodu’s Sporting Heritage
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prince Olukoga Akeem, a former member of the Sports Commission, recalled Ikorodu Division’s history of producing athletes who represented Lagos State in different sporting disciplines.
He particularly referenced the 1980s, when athletes from the division participated in sports including swimming and hockey.
Prince Olukoga expressed concern about the decline of some sporting activities and called for increased investment, sponsorship and structured development programmes to revive sports across Ikorodu Division.
He also appealed to the various local governments within the division to work together towards establishing a coordinated framework for sports development.
October 1 Independence Day Race
With the 2026 edition scheduled for October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, the mini marathon is set to combine the celebration of the country’s independence with sporting activities involving young athletes across Ikorodu Division.
The organizers said the competition will continue to serve as a platform for talent discovery, youth development, healthy living, sports participation and community engagement, while efforts are also being made to sustain Ikorodu’s sporting heritage.
📍 Ayangburen Palace, Ikorodu, Lagos
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