Opobo Marathon 2026: Winners Crowned, Late King Jaja Honoured

Musa Bala Sati and Hope Lebe Mbeabuari were yesterday crowned the male and female champions respectively at the 8th annual Opobo Marathon, held in Opobo Town, Rivers State. Athletes from across Nigeria competed in the popular road race.

This year’s event was dedicated to the late Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandison Douglas-Jaja, in recognition of his significant leadership and contributions to the development of the Opobo Kingdom. The race commenced with a minute’s silence in honour of the revered monarch.

In the men’s category, Azuwuike Augustine Chimaobi secured second place, with Barinor Wiibee finishing third. For the women, Blessing Solomon Ghambor came in second, and Akpukudu Kevin took third.

The Indigenous category saw Dappa Daniel emerge as the winner, while Jaja Lawrence and Blessing Etuk jointly claimed victory in the Teen category, highlighting the marathon’s commitment to grassroots and youth development.

The race was officially flagged off by Professor Valentine Omubo-Pepple, the immediate-past Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University. Opobo/Nkoro LGA Chairman, Barr. James A. James, joined organisers at the finish line to present prizes to the deserving winners.

Henry Iyowuna Cookey, Project Lead for the Opobo Marathon, hailed the 2026 edition as both successful and symbolic. He noted that dedicating the race to the late King Dandison Jaja was a fitting tribute to a traditional ruler whose reign fostered unity and progress within the kingdom.

Cookey extended his gratitude to the marathon’s sponsors and supporters, including Chief Michael Onuoha of Ailes Group, Chief Adokiye Ikpoki of Chairborne Global Services, Chief Dr. Henry Wordu, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah of IHVN, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Amaopusenibo Sobere Diri, and Mrs. Barr. Catherine Uju Ifejika of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited.

Overall men’s winner Musa Bala Sati commended the organisers for a well-coordinated race and praised the warm hospitality of the Opobo community, describing the course as challenging.

Hon. Barr. James A. James, Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, applauded the organisers for sustaining the marathon. He announced that the local government would initiate steps to officially gazette the marathon as an annual sporting event for the council.

Professor Valentine Omubo-Pepple, during the flag-off, praised the Opobo Marathon as a consistent and impactful sporting event, recognising its vital role in youth development and community engagement. He urged continued support from both government and the private sector for sports initiatives that promote social and economic development.