The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has voiced strong support for the upcoming Owan 10km Marathon, scheduled to hold on January 3, 2026. The pledge came during a courtesy visit to the Speaker by the event’s organizers, led by convener Chris Ojo, who also serves as President of the Global Bridge Initiative.
Speaking with the delegation in Benin City, Agbebaku commended the organizers for launching a platform aimed at youth development through sport and highlighted the potential multiplier effects when such events are backed by patriotic Nigerians, particularly those with roots in Edo. He emphasized that the marathon could serve as a catalyst for broader youth engagement, offering a constructive outlet that channels energy away from destructive behaviors.
The Speaker outlined a vision to elevate the Owan Marathon from a regional event to a state-wide spectacle. He suggested leveraging the event to identify and groom athletes who could represent Edo in national and international competitions.
“There is a need for all to be involved in the activities of youths in society to help channel their energy away from social vices inimical to their growth and development,” Agbebaku stated, signaling a policy tilt toward integrating sports into the state’s youth development strategy.
Owen Ojo, the event organizer, reiterated that the marathon’s mission goes beyond competition. He described the race as a talent discovery and development initiative with an eye toward global recognition.
The fifth edition, he noted, aims to not only foster athletic excellence but also provide a pathway for young athletes from Owan communities to higher opportunities, including sponsorships toward the Sports University in Afuze for top performers in the 10km race.
The plan, as articulated by Ojo, includes a talent development pipeline that could channel standout runners into formal sports education and training programs, creating a pipeline from local communities to elite levels. In a gesture symbolizing the partnership, Ojo presented the Speaker with a marathon kit, underscoring the collaboration between Edo’s political leadership and the sporting initiative.
As the dialogue between the EDHA leadership and the Owan Marathon organizers progresses, both sides underscored the importance of solid backing, consistent organization, and strategic sponsorship to sustain the event’s growth. If realized, Agbebaku’s advocacy points toward a more structured framework where the Owan Marathon becomes a beacon for youth empowerment, health, and national athletic representation.
Observers noted that the collaboration could galvanize broader community involvement, attract corporate sponsorship, and inspire other localities to invest in youth sports as a vehicle for social development and economic activity. With the January 2026 date on the horizon, supporters are hopeful that the initiative will gain momentum and deliver on its promise of turning local talent into national-level and potentially global distinctions.
