How Warri Youths Shut Down Effurun With 5km Run For Tinubu, Oborevwori

By Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola

Thousands of youths on Thursday shut down major roads linking Warri and Effurun in Delta State with a five-kilometre road race to celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and declare support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The event, tagged “Run and Rave,” drew youths from across the Warri metropolis, blending fitness, entertainment and political mobilisation as participants raced through the twin cities.

The run kicked off at the newly constructed PTI Flyover in Effurun, moved through Effurun Roundabout, Jakpa Junction and Airport Junction, before terminating at Delta Career in Warri.

Traffic was momentarily held up as participants, dressed in colourful sportswear and displaying placards, chanted solidarity songs in support of the Tinubu and Oborevwori administrations.

Organisers said the initiative was conceived to celebrate Nigeria at 66, promote healthy living and give youths a platform to express their views on governance.

Speaking at the event, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Affairs, Dr Maurice Ojo-Ede, said the massive turnout reflected growing youth interest in politics and governance.

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“This exercise was organised to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and demonstrate our support for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori,” Ojo-Ede said.

He said the turnout showed that Warri youths are ready to participate actively in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

National Leader and Patron of Soft Nigeria, Collins Oghenerouna, said the run was designed to unite youths and celebrate Nigeria in a peaceful and convivial atmosphere.

“It was more than a fitness exercise. It created an opportunity for young people to interact, network and discuss issues affecting the country,” Oghenerouna said.

Also speaking, National Leader of Soft Nigeria, Sylvester Oghenetega, said participants gathered as patriotic Nigerians to celebrate the nation and express confidence in the leadership of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

Some participants told BIGPEN NIGERIA that their mobilisation would continue ahead of 2027, declaring intention to campaign for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on March 6, 2027.

Organisers said the initiative was not limited to electioneering, stressing that youths must remain engaged in civic activities and community development beyond elections.

The event ended with participants describing the race as a combination of recreation, mobilisation and civic engagement.