The Firstmade Foundation, led by Ln. Olufemi Olusanya, is gearing up to host the inaugural Egbe Mekun Marathon on December 24th in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State.
Olusanya, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and active member of the Lions Club International, has been committed to enriching the lives of people in Okunland, North Central Nigeria. This landmark event aims to promote peace, fitness, and tourism while uniting the youth in the region. Through this marathon, he hopes to build a tradition that fosters community spirit and encourages active participation.
The idea of hosting a marathon in Egbe, which could be the first of its kind in Kogi State, stems from Olusanya’s passion for fostering youth development and unity. “I’ve been deeply committed to promoting unity among our youth, and I wanted to create something new that encourages community involvement,” he explains. He believes the Egbe Mekun Marathon will not only draw attention to the natural beauty of Okunland but also instill a sense of belonging among participants and residents alike.
Safety is a critical aspect of this initiative, and Olusanya is taking necessary measures to ensure the event is secure and enjoyable for all involved. Medical teams will be stationed along the route, providing cooling stations to aid runners, particularly on the challenging hilly terrain. Additionally, police and other security personnel will be positioned at key points along the course to guarantee the safety of both participants and spectators.
Participants in the marathon have much to look forward to, as the event offers various incentives to honor their achievements. “We have substantial cash prizes, various consolation gifts, and commemorative plaques for the first, second, and third-place winners,” Olusanya shared. These prizes aim to motivate athletes and leave them with cherished memories of their participation in the Egbe Mekun Marathon.
Egbe’s unique landscape, with its rolling hills and valleys, presents a remarkable training ground reminiscent of East Africa, a region known for producing marathon champions. Olusanya sees this as an opportunity not only to celebrate the natural beauty of Okunland but also to inspire local athletes to pursue their potential on a larger stage.
“Our landscape is a great asset. It offers both a challenge and an opportunity for athletes. I believe it will not only benefit the community but also inspire young athletes to pursue sports on a global scale,” he stated, expressing his hope that the event could serve as a launchpad for future champions who may one day compete internationally.
The support for this marathon has been overwhelming, particularly from the local community and stakeholders who recognize its potential benefits. The Firstmade Foundation, known for its dedication to community development and social welfare, sees this event as an extension of its mission to serve humanity. “Our objectives include providing relief to vulnerable populations, promoting education, healthcare, sports, tourism, and social welfare, as well as enhancing the quality of life for marginalized groups,” Olusanya explains. Through this event, the foundation aims to create opportunities for the youth of Okunland and fulfill its commitment to uplifting the community.
Beyond Egbe, Olusanya and his team have worked hard to reach out to other towns and communities, encouraging wider participation in the marathon. They have launched an awareness campaign targeting local councils, schools, and communities across the state. “Yes, the marathon is open to people from various local councils, communities, and secondary schools,” he shared, underscoring the foundation’s desire to foster a sense of unity and collective engagement.
Security, given recent challenges in Kogi State, has been a priority for the organizers, who have taken proactive steps to address potential concerns. The establishment of a new military barracks in Egbe, with over 150 soldiers, thanks to the efforts of Senator Sunday Karimi, represents a significant boost for the event’s security measures. Olusanya believes this addition will help ensure a safe environment for participants and spectators alike, enhancing the confidence of those attending the event.
As the Egbe Mekun Marathon approaches, excitement continues to build in Okunland. This event is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and ambition. Olusanya’s vision to promote peace, fitness, and tourism aligns with the larger goals of the Firstmade Foundation. By encouraging youth engagement and community involvement, he hopes to create a lasting tradition that will uplift the people of Kogi State and place Okunland on the map as a destination for sports and tourism.
Egbe is home to the ECWA hospital, established by George and Esther Campion, white missionaries attached to the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) in 1952. The Town is also home to the prestigious Titcombe College, established by another missionary of the SIM, a British-Canadian Reverend gentleman in 1951.