Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, poularly known as YAYI, has thrown his weight behind the 2026 Abeokuta 10KM Race, confirming his intention to attend the fifth edition of the road-running event scheduled for October 3.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), Mrs Yetunde Olopade.

The visit was part of the formal invitation to the senator to attend the race, which is being held in his honour in recognition of his contributions to youth and sports development in Ogun State.

Adeola commended Olopade for taking over the leadership of Nilayo Sports Management Limited and expressed his delight at the progress recorded by the organisation under her stewardship.

“Let me start by thanking you for taking up the mantle of leadership of the company. I was truly delighted when I learnt that you are the one in charge,” Adeola said.

The senator also appreciated the decision to honour him through the Abeokuta 10KM Race, pledging to make every effort to be present despite his official engagements.

“As for the race, I want to sincerely thank you for organising it in my honour. You have honoured me, and I appreciate the gesture with every sense of responsibility.”

“I will do everything humanly possible to be part of it, especially because it is a race held in my honour. I will also be glad to be there to honour you in return.”

During the visit, Olopade presented Adeola with a running kit as part of the formal invitation.

She explained that the senator was selected for the honour because of his contributions to youth and sports development in Ogun State.

“For everything you have done for youth and sports development, we have come to invite you to support the race. Of course, we also humbly request your presence on October 3,” Olopade said.

The 2026 Abeokuta 10KM Race is designed exclusively for Nigerian athletes, with organisers seeking to promote homegrown talent and create a sustainable legacy for road running in Ogun State.

Registration has begun at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta, while registered participants are expected to collect their race kits between September 30 and October 2.

The main race is scheduled for October 3, with athletes, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders expected to converge on Abeokuta for the fifth edition of the increasingly prominent road-running event.