Ile-Ife Launches 5km Cultural Road Race to Empower Youth and Celebrate Heritage
In a bold move to combine cultural celebration with youth development, the ancient city of Ile-Ife has announced the launch of a 5-kilometre road race scheduled to take place on September 25, 2025.
The event, strategically timed to coincide with the annual Olojo Festival, is aimed at promoting physical fitness, uncovering athletic talent, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The initiative, championed by youth advocate and community leader Sooko Adeleke Odewade, is being organised under the Alade’fa Athletic Family platform. According to Odewade, the primary goal of the race is to create a platform that empowers young people through sports, especially in an era where opportunities for discovery and talent development are increasingly limited.
“This race is not just a one-day event,” he said. “It is a movement to discover, mentor, and support young athletes. After the race, our team will continue to engage outstanding participants, providing them with mentorship, training, and even scholarships.”
The road race will feature a carefully designed route that passes through culturally significant landmarks in Ile-Ife, giving participants and spectators alike a unique blend of athletic competition and historical immersion.
The event has received the full endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who is known for his support of youth-focused and community-building initiatives.
Organisers say the race is open to a wide range of participants, including students, amateur runners, and professional athletes. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers, and all participants will receive certificates of participation.
Beyond the race itself, the event is expected to stimulate local economic activity by attracting tourists, vendors, and sponsors during the Olojo Festival period.
In addition to its cultural and economic significance, the event is seen as part of a broader effort to promote healthy lifestyles among Nigerian youth.
The organisers are partnering with educational institutions, state sports councils, and Nigerian athletes in the diaspora to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
As preparations continue, there is growing optimism that the Ife 5km Cultural Road Race will become a model for youth empowerment, cultural pride, and community development across Nigeria.
