By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he would flag off the Second edition of Onitsha City Marathon, (OCM), competition, holding on September 25, 2021.

According to a statement signed by Mr Philip Barepo, spokesman of the local organising committee (LOC), Onitsha City Marathon, Professor Obasanjo disclosed this when the committee led by Professor Olusegun Sogbesun of Onitsha Business School, paid a visit to his residence at Abeokuta, Ogun state.

“Obasanjo who promised to flag off the event in Onitsha, Anambra State, later in the year, noted that the act of exercise is good for the body and soul, which has been part of his own daily routine. The amiable Elder Statesman, who accepted to be the Grand Patron of Onitsha City Marathon, cited his concern and support for group and citizens who take special interest in the physical fitness of the citizenry, particularly the youths.

“The Onitsha City Marathon, OCM, remains an initiative of the Onitsha Business School, developed to discover and harness the abundant sporting talents of the teeming youths of Onitsha metropolis and environs. It is also aimed at revolutionizing sports as a Socio-Economic Development tool. The Onitsha City Marathon, debuted on October 5th, 2019, as the first international marathon, East of the Niger, which attracted over 25 international marathon runners and around 700 Nigerians. It could not hold in 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“ Professor Olusegun Sogbesun hinted that the 2021 edition will come with a lot of goodies, making it far better than the initial edition, with some board games like Scrabble, Chess, Ayo and Checkers for schools, as well as a Criterium (Bicycle Race). We are also likely to have a 10-kilometre race and the VIP race to spice up the week", he maintained.