As momentum builds for the 2025 edition of the MASA Isonyin Marathon, a new wave of inspiration has swept through Ogun State’s sporting community, thanks to the bold sponsorship move by Chief (Mrs.) Ibilola Solaja, a prominent Ijebu-Igbo business magnate and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain.
Solaja, popularly known as Madam Jumlar, has officially committed to sponsoring the top prize in the women’s category of the race— a strategic gesture aimed at encouraging female participation and recognizing the unique challenges women face in sports.
The highly anticipated marathon, themed “Running for Exposure”, will take place on August 23 in Isonyin, Ijebu North-East LGA, and is expected to attract over 2,500 athletes, with cash prizes nearing ₦10 million.
In her remarks, Solaja linked her sponsorship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, emphasizing the APC’s commitment to using sports as a catalyst for national development. “Sports is finally getting the attention it deserves.
This is my way of telling young girls that they are seen, they are valued, and their dreams are valid,” she stated.
Solaja’s decision to fund the women’s ₦1.5 million top prize underscores her longstanding passion for youth empowerment and gender inclusion. “Female athletes often face tougher odds. I want to show them that they deserve equal recognition and reward,” she said.
The 2025 MASA Isonyin Marathon, organised by the MASA Foundation under the leadership of Dr. Muideen Adegboyega Salami, has emerged as a beacon of grassroots sports development in the region. Dr. Salami praised Solaja’s contribution as “more than sponsorship—an investment in potential.”
The APC-led federal government has recently doubled down on sports reforms, including reviving the National Sports Commission and appointing Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade to key leadership roles. Against this backdrop, the Isonyin Marathon is fast becoming a symbol of community-driven progress.
With Ogun State rising as a hub of sports excellence, Solaja’s involvement signals a growing recognition of how strategic support—particularly for women—can reshape Nigeria’s athletic landscape.
As preparations continue, stakeholders are calling on more private individuals and corporate bodies to follow Solaja’s lead in backing initiatives that blend competition with community development
