By Our Correspondent
Thousands of youths from Warri and Effurun in Delta State on Thursday took part in a five-kilometre road race to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and express support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The event, tagged “Run and Rave,” attracted young people from across the Warri metropolis, combining physical fitness, entertainment, youth interaction and civic engagement.
The race began at the newly constructed PTI Flyover in Effurun and passed through Effurun Roundabout, Jakpa Junction and Airport Junction before ending at Delta Career.
Participants, many of whom wore colourful sports outfits, also carried placards and other materials expressing support for the Tinubu and Oborevwori administrations.
The organisers said the initiative was designed to provide young people with an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s independence, promote healthy living and engage in discussions around governance and national development.
Speaking at the event, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Affairs, Dr Maurice Ojo-Ede, said the turnout demonstrated the growing interest of young people in political and developmental issues.
Ojo-Ede said the exercise was organised to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and show support for the leadership of Tinubu and Oborevwori.
He added that the participation of youths from Warri and its environs reflected their willingness to take part in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, National Leader and Patron of Soft Nigeria, Collins Oghenerouna, said the programme was aimed at bringing youths together to celebrate Nigeria in a peaceful and convivial atmosphere.
According to him, the event went beyond physical exercise by creating an avenue for young people to interact, network and discuss issues affecting the country.
National Leader of Soft Nigeria, Sylvester Oghenetega, described the participants as patriotic Nigerians who came together to celebrate the country and express their support for Tinubu and Oborevwori.
Some participants also expressed support for policies and programmes of the Federal Government and Delta State Government, saying youths should take a more active role in shaping the country’s political direction.
They said their mobilisation would continue ahead of the 2027 elections, with some participants declaring their intention to campaign for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, currently lists January 16, 2027, for the Presidential/National Assembly election and February 6, 2027, for the Governorship/State House of Assembly election.
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The organisers, however, stressed that the initiative was not solely about electioneering, noting that young people should remain involved in civic activities, community development and peaceful participation beyond election periods.
The event ended with participants describing the five-kilometre run as a combination of recreation, youth mobilisation, fitness and civic engagement.