Firms Hold 1st Otorho-Idjerhe Marathon to Honour Delta Monarch, King Whiskey

The 1st Otorho-Idjerhe marathon, organized by FENCSO Event Sports Management and Marketing, Seplat Energy, and D’Life Dynasty, aims to promote the rise of the Idjerhe Kingdom under the traditional rulership of King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP/Ph.D, Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, has been concluded.

The historic event, which was packaged as part of activities commemorating the veteran journalist turned monarch’s 5th coronation anniversary, featured athletes from the 36 states of the federation competing for the grand prize of N300,000.

The marathon, themed “Legacy Run to Promote the Rising of Idjerhe Kingdom,” featured several athletes, including young serving military, naval, and police officers from across the federation. 

The marathon begins at Jesse Junction Express and travels through Atiwor Junction, Atigwor Road, Idjerhe Grammar School Road, Super Street, Oguedion, Garage, and back to D’Life Dynasty, the event venue.

In a welcome address, Engr. Usman Sanni, a co-convener and sponsor of the event, stated that the marathon was part of D’Life Dynasty’s corporate social responsibility to add something new to their area of operations.

 
“D’Life Dynasty’s management strives to bring new experiences to the community, and this event was part of that vision.” We discussed how the Idjerhe Kingdom had never done anything like this before, so we decided that the best way to bring this community together would be to hold our own marathon in honour of the traditional ruler’s legacy.
“We want to see this event take place every year, not just this year. We put this up quickly and hope to improve it next year.

Engr. Sanni stated that the ‘Legacy Run’ represents their shared commitment to creating a lasting legacy of health, unity, and progress for the Idjerhe Kingdom.

“It is a symbolic run toward a brighter, more promising future, reflecting our beloved Kingdom’s growing prominence and pride.”

The first runner-up came from Jos, Plateau State, with athletes from Ondo, Edo, and Delta. The athletes were gathered through Facebook and social media campaigns. “We’ve also noticed some lapses, and we’re praying to God for more strength to improve,” he said. 

Sanni, speaking on behalf of the CEO of D’Life Dynasty, Engr. Longlife Eko, stated that events such as the marathon are powerful tools for promoting healthy living, youth development, and community bonding, adding, It is our hope that today’s event will inspire sustained interest in sports across Idjerhe Kingdom and beyond.” 

The traditional ruler thanked the organizers for organizing the sport event, especially the CEO of D’Life Dynasty, Engr. Longlife Eko, the visionary pioneer and primary driver of the historic marathon, during an interview with newsmen shortly after announcing the winner and inaugurating the D’Life Dynasty Fitness Centre.

He stated, “This will bring sport unity, oneness, and development, awareness, and, to a large extent, political participation by our people.

“We have representatives from almost 36 states in the federation, and we hope to have people from West African countries in the next edition.  And I believe it is a good start for a sport to begin in this manner. I believe we have started well. 

“My message to the Idjerhe people is that by working together, we can draw the government’s attention to our developmental issues, and sports are one of the games that can be used to bring people together.

“I urged my people to remain peaceful and to support the current government, because development can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere.

“Given my background, I’ve learned that merit is not tribalism. We did not organize the Idjerhe Marathon solely to support local athletes. If our son and daughter participate in it and place first or second, they will be extremely honored.

“The first place winner hails from Plateau State, followed by Delta State, Ondo State, and Idjerhe. So I’ve also encouraged our son, who participated in it, to put in more effort and train harder so that when they go to Plateau State for sports of this nature, he can also win the first prize there. Our intention is to unite our people.

“We hope to make this event an annual event. We will hold this event one to two weeks before my anniversary. As part of my coronation celebrations, we plan to offer free medical services, cultural displays, and a cricket game. 

He congratulated all marathon participants as champions, saying, “Your courage, endurance, and determination reflect the true spirit of Idjerhe.” Whether you ran to win, to test yourself, or simply for the love of the sport, you finished, and that is victory.”

The event attracted several sons and daughters, including the Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, the Crown Otota (Iyasere) of the Great Idjerha Kingdom, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Halim Agoda among others.