How Dynamic Bukola Olopade Built Africa’s Biggest Sports Management Company, Nilayo Sports.
There is a silent revolution going on in the Nigerian sports industry. It is a paradigm shift. And it’s taking the centre stage no thanks to the dwindling fortunes of the number sport in Nigeria – football. Marathon is on the rise in Nigeria. Yes, marathon is synonymous with the East Africans. But times have changed. Nigeria is catching up – and might one day emerge one of Africa’s powerhouses in marathons. So, what’s driving force behind the new love for marathon in Nigeria? The answer is not far-fetched. Marathon became a new bride in the Nigerian sports landscape when a company, Nilayo Sports dared to believe and invested in the long-distance sports at a time when it(marathon) wasn’t a first choice sport in Nigeria. As a thoroughbred sports management company, Nilayo knew marathon is an untapped goldmine. Alongside like-minded investors, Nilayo Sports stepped up to the plate, rebranded the sport and reignited the passion for marathon in Nigeria. From the iconic Lagos city marathon to Abuja city International Marathon, to Abeokuta 10km race to Valuejet Remo 10km and the recently concluded Enugu City International marathon – what Nilayo Sports has accomplished can only best be described as phenomenal.
Today, marathon tourism is on the rise in the scheme of things in Nigeria. For instance, the Lagos city marathon event is one of the most anticipated global sports event in the world. And this is no overhyped one bit. And many years after its maiden edition, the Lagos city marathon has continued to witness significant increase in terms of participation and international recognition. Aside the economic effects of this global event which include foreign direct investment, tourism and hospitality development, fitness and longevity. The event has also put Nigeria in the global spotlight, showcasing the country’s warm hospitality and enthusiastic people rated as one of the happiest people in the world. The good thing is that it also provides an avenue for community bonding and social interaction for people from different backgrounds and culture.
After the magnificent success of the Lagos city marathon, Nilayo Sports has also replicated the Midas touch in other zones across the country. A ready example is the just concluded Enugu International Marathon, a 42km and 10km races. And it was such a huge success, with runners from cities outside of Enugu competing for the top prizes. The highlight of the Enugu international included the energetic outing of the State Governor, Peter Mbah who finished the 10km race in fine style. That’s the widespread acceptance of the marathon thing in Nigeria all thanks to Nilayo Sports Management. And that’s not all, Nilayo Sports is also the brain behind the popular Abuja City International Half Marathon. The company is also the organisers of the Abeokuta 10km race, Valuejet Remo 10km race and so many more. Apart from staging the biggest marathon events in town, Nilayo Sports is also in the thick of action when it comes to helping States organize world class sporting events. Nilayo Sports was the marketing consultants to the Delta State Government for the 21st National Sports Festival, Delta 2022. As a proud company owned by a prominent Egba indigene, Nilayo Sports hosted the talk of the town Egbaliganza 2025, aka Lisabi Day 2025. One thing is common about Nilayo Sports events – be it sporting or social events, there’s always a distinctive seal of excellence on every project. It is a brand built on the core values of excellence, innovation and integrity.
Under the leadership of its founder, Mr. Bukola Olopade, Nilayo Sports has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, breaking new grounds and surpassing targets. Known for his patriotism and resilience, Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission ( NSC) is the best thing that has happened to Nigerian sports since sliced bread. Since his days as commissioner for youth and sports in Ogun State, Olopade has been in the forefront of efforts aimed at taking the Nigerian sports to the next level. A sports administrator per excellence, Olopade has developed a reputation for excellence in sports administration. Sports is a calling for the Egba-born sports administrator. And this is one calling he has excelled greatly in – using sports a tool for empowerment and job creation. No doubt, Olopade has done well for himself and image of his iconic sports brand, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd.