By Bolaji Okunola
Musa Francis and Esther Affigbo, on Saturday, 23rd of August, emerged the cynosure of all eyes as the curtain falls on 2025 MASA Isonyin Marathon which was staged in Ogun State.
The 21km race which was tagged “Running for Exposure” saw Musa James Francis bag gold after storming to victory with a time of 1:09:00.34.
He mounted the premier stage after beating Boyi Gyang James (1:09:38.69) and Sadjo Ismael (1:10:02.06) in his quest to clinch the male title.
In the women’s category, Esther Affigbo triumphed with 1:21:49.05, ahead of Shambor Blessing Solomon (1:22:15.61) and Akusho Lydia Thomas (1:22:57.17).
The winners in both categories went home with ₦1.5 million each, while the second and third-place finishers received ₦1 million and ₦750,000, respectively.
The duo, in ecstasy described the event as an eye opener and inspiration to future challenge. They however promised to defend their title come next edition.
“This is an eye opener for me. Although, I came with a positive mindset which has really helped me in challenging my foes. I mean, finishing first in a race like this it’s not a child’s play and I can assure you I will be prepare to defend my title come next year’, Francis boasted.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, who flagged off the race, praised the organisers and described the marathon as “a new benchmark for grassroots sports development in the state.”
Providing official backing for the event, Hon. Joseph Foluso Badejo, Chairman of Ijebu North-East Local Government and chief host of the marathon, applauded the MASA Foundation for using sports to promote tourism, unity, and youth empowerment.
Significantly, Barr. Seun Adesanya, Member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, joined Hon. Badejo in assuring residents that deliberate steps would be taken to ensure Ogun athletes perform better in next year’s edition. “We want our local runners on the podium in 2026, and we’ll invest in better preparation, training, and camping to make that happen,” Adesanya said.
The 2025 edition also enjoyed remarkable private-sector support. Asiwaju Tony Tunde Sokan, a UK-based wealth management expert and proud son of Isonyin, sponsored the ₦1.5 million men’s first prize and pledged to support the marathon for the next five years.
Similarly, Chief Mrs. Ibilola Solaja, a prominent rice merchant, philanthropist, and respected figure from Ijebu Igbo, funded the ₦1.5 million prize for the women’s champion.
She urged others to support initiatives like this, stressing that “investing in sports gives young people hope and drives community growth.”
Sports administrator Ibikunle Solaja also lauded the race’s impact, noting that “events like this are critical for talent discovery and youth empowerment.”
Delivering his remarks virtually from California, USA, the convener and President of the MASA Foundation, Dr. Muideen Adegboyega Salami (MASA), celebrated the marathon’s rapid growth. “What began as a dream is becoming a globally recognised event. We’re committed to giving young athletes a platform to shine,” he said.
The MASA Isonyin Marathon Project Director Yeye Adesola Salami described the second edition as “a huge success,” even though she admitted there was room for improvement.
“It was better than the first because we put in everything. We didn’t get the response we expected from big organisations, but with support from people like Asiwaju Tony Sokan, Chief Mrs. Ibilola Solaja, and others, we made it a success,” she said.
She expressed optimism that with the resounding success at this year’s race, more individuals, corporate bodies and even the government would lend support for a bigger 2026 edition.
With increased participation, higher prize stakes, and renewed commitments from state and local leaders, the MASA Isonyin Marathon is rapidly positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s most promising distance-running events, uniting communities while inspiring a new generation of champions.
