Governor Makinde’s Houston Marathon show raises eyebrows

Over the weekend, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State proudly introduced his participation within the Houston Half Marathon, finishing the gruelling race in 2 hours and 53 minutes beneath freezing situations of 1°C.

Whereas his achievement has garnered reward from many for showcasing resilience and a dedication to private health, it has additionally sparked a wave of criticisms over his obvious disregard for related occasions in his house state.

In a social media put up, Governor Makinde shared, “Glad to have accomplished the Houston Half Marathon in 2 hours 53 minutes at the moment. Although situations had been powerful with freezing temperatures at 1 diploma Celsius, I completed quicker than the Berkeley Half Marathon, which I ran about 2 years in the past. I additionally took half in a 5k enjoyable run yesterday, which I accomplished in 38 minutes.”

Whereas Governor Makinde’s participation in worldwide races just like the Houston and Berkeley Half Marathon might replicate his dedication to health, many Nigerians are questioning why he has but to take part in distinguished native races such because the Splash FM Ibadan Metropolis Marathon.

This annual occasion, a staple on the Nigerian athletics calendar for over a decade, takes place proper within the coronary heart of Oyo State and has continued to thrive solely on personal funding.

Native criticism

A senior official at Splash FM, the organisers of the Ibadan Metropolis Marathon, expressed disappointment over the governor’s indifference.

“Properly, the governor has the correct to take part in any race he deems match, however he has by no means taken half within the Splash FM Marathon. If he had participated, he would have posted it on social media like he’s doing with this newest one.

“I’m wondering why persons are making numerous noise about this newest one; he has been doing it over time,” the official informed PREMIUM TIMES.

The official additionally debunked claims that the Oyo State authorities financially helps the Splash FM Marathon, stating, “I noticed folks saying on-line that the federal government has been sponsoring the Splash FM Marathon. The federal government has by no means sponsored the race.”

Not selling native occasions

Past the Splash FM Marathon, different operating initiatives in Oyo State have struggled to achieve traction.

The Ibadan Marathon, a collaborative effort between the Oyo State authorities and Savvy Occasions, was scheduled for November 2024 however didn’t materialise.

This lack of execution raises questions concerning the state’s dedication to fostering a health tradition and selling community-focused occasions.

Governor Makinde’s obvious desire for worldwide races over native ones has made critics query whether or not his actions align together with his administration’s objectives.

At a press convention in September 2024, Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports activities, Wosilat Adegoke, represented the governor and emphasised the importance of the Ibadan Marathon.

“The Ibadan Marathon is a chance for runners, households, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and group spirit. Via this occasion, we display our dedication to public well being, energetic existence, and progress,” she stated.

Regardless of this rhetoric, the marathon by no means got here to fruition, leaving many to wonder if the governor’s participation in world occasions overshadows the potential progress of grassroots initiatives inside his state.

Makes an attempt by PREMIUM TIMES to talk with Ms Adegoke to make clear the botched Ibadan Marathon or another initiative in place by the state geared at encouraging participation in highway races had been abortive.

Calls and messages despatched to her cellphone quantity weren’t responded to whereas submitting this report.

Many consider that Governor Makinde’s energetic assist of native marathons would have been a robust assertion of management and encouragement for his constituents.