The ancient city of Ile-Ife witnessed a thrilling display of athleticism on Thursday as Ismail Sadjo and Affigbo Esther Chihurumnanya emerged winners of the maiden edition of the Olojo 5km Road Race, held in conjunction with the iconic Olojo Festival.

Sadjo clinched the men’s title with a commanding time of 15 minutes and 15 seconds, earning the top prize of ₦1 million. 

Elated by his victory, he gushed: “I’m so excited to win the first edition here in Ile-Ife, it means a lot to me”

In the women’s category, Affigbo Esther Chihurumnanya delivered an equally impressive performance, crossing the finish line in 17 minutes and 38 seconds to claim her own ₦1 million prize. “I’m so happy to make history as the first champion of this race,” she said. “This victory means a lot to me.”

Affigbo’s triumph adds to an already stellar season, having previously won the 2025 Imo Youth Marathon and the 2025 MASA Isonyin Marathon.

The Olojo 5km Road Race holds the distinction of being the first of its kind recognised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to be staged alongside a cultural festival. The race was flagged off by HRH Sooko Adeleke Odewade, one of the event’s promoters, in partnership with the Aladefa family, renowned for their contributions to Nigerian sports.

Representing the Aladefa legacy was Taiwo Aladefa, the first Nigerian to break the 13 second barrier in the 100m hurdles, a gold medalist at the 1995 African Games and Olympic semifinalist in 1996 in Atlanta, USA. 

Other notable attendees included former Super Eagles star, Mutiu Adepoju, and Tina Iheagwan, Nigeria’s first global track and field champion, who won gold at the inaugural World Junior Championships in Athens in 1986.

Race Director, Chief Tony Osheku, expressed pride in the successful execution of the event, adding it to his growing portfolio of road races including those in Ilesa and Ogbomosho, as well as the groundbreaking Cross Country Championships in Jos in 2023.

The race was expertly coordinated by Nigeria’s top announcer and World Athletics-certified referee, Akin Afolarin, who oversaw both the start and the prize presentation.

Apart from the top prize winners, all participants got certificate of participation

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