The first edition of the Ika Nation Marathon Race organized by a Port Harcourt-based businessman, Mr Donatus Aimufua was recently held in Owa Alero in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at the event, Mr Aimufua said the essence of the marathon was to develop the abundance of athletic talents in Ika, particularly among the youths whom he said are carried away by the get-rich-quick-syndrome through dubious means of acquiring wealth.
Mr Aimufua, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stendo Ventures Limited emphasized that the 10.5 km race was to test the abilities of interested athletes in Ika Land in a long race contest.
He said that the competition was to also encourage the youths on the need to attain success through hard work, noting that ‘young people of this generation do not believe in the dignity of labour’’
The CEO revealed that even though he, who also doubles as the organizer of the race did not acquire much education like other people, he developed himself through skill acquisition.
He further advised them to ensure that they engage themselves in productive ventures by acquiring different skills, which he said could make them live a better life.
Speaking further, Mr Aimufua told the contestants, particularly those from Ika land, to ensure they trained better, just as he assured them that the marathon would be an annual event in Ika land.
Some contestants who spoke to our correspondent during the ceremony were aggrieved as the event they considered to serve as a training test for Ika amateur marathoners was taken over by professional athletes from across the country.
They affirmed that the competition was hijacked by some professional runners who made away with the sum of N250,000 which was given to winners of the competition.
The winners include Gom James in the male category and Elizabeth Adubu in the female category. It was said that both of them (winners) are from Plateau State.
