St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi Endowment Fund Successfully Hosts 7th Edition of the Lagos Kids Mini Marathon at Orange Island

The St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi Endowment Fund has successfully wrapped up the 7th edition of the Lagos Kids Mini-Marathon, held on Saturday, December 6, at the picturesque Orange Island. The annual mini-marathon once again celebrated children’s athleticism, community bonding, and the power of youth engagement through sports.

This year’s event brought together an energetic mix of pupils, parents, partner schools, sponsors, and supporters from across Lagos and other States. With race categories designed for various age groups, young runners showcased confidence, determination, and healthy competition along the well-curated Orange Island route – all cheered on by enthusiastic spectators.

In a landmark moment for the mini-marathon, children with special needs participated for the first time. Pupils from Modupe Cole School joined the race, adding joy, vibrance, and inspiration to the event. Children from Access Bank Fifth Chukker School in Kaduna delivered an impressive performance, winning 8 out of 12 medals, while others also took home medals and trophies across different categories.

Male 5km 2nd Place, Hayatu Abdullahi, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

Male 5km 1st Place, Usman Sani, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

Female 3km 2nd Place, Fatima Nasiru, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

Male 3km 2nd Place, Idris Abubakar, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

The 7th edition enjoyed generous support from CardinalStone, Alafia Foundation, Lagos State Government, Zenith Sport, Kids Future Hub, and Zaqonomic – a philanthropic initiative championed by an alumnus of the school.

Speaking after the event, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Mrs. Enitan Rewane, expressed her pride and appreciation:
“The Lagos Kids Mini Marathon has grown into a beloved tradition that motivates our children to push their limits, stay active, and build resilience. We are deeply grateful to our parents, partners, and supporters who make this event a success year after year.”

The marathon further underscored St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi’s commitment to promoting teamwork, discipline, and overall well-being through sports. Beyond the race itself, the event strengthened community ties and encouraged outdoor participation in a safe, structured, and fun environment.

Male 3km 1st Place, Idris Sabiu, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

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Head Teacher, Mr. Craig Heaton, also praised the smooth organisation and spirited turnout.
“We are incredibly proud of how this year’s marathon turned out — from planning to race-day experience. The energy and enthusiasm were outstanding, and Orange Island proved to be the perfect venue for participants and spectators alike,” he said.

At the closing ceremony, certificates, medals, and recognition prizes were presented to outstanding runners, while every participant was celebrated for their effort, courage, and sportsmanship.

Female 1.5km 1st Place, Khadijah Dauda, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

The St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi Endowment Fund remains committed to sustaining the Lagos Kids Mini Marathon as one of the most impactful and inclusive children’s sporting events in Lagos, with anticipation already building for an even bigger edition next year.

Male 1.5km 2nd Place, Aminu Yahaya, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

Male 1.5km 1st Place, Ibrahim Musa, Access Bank Chukker School, Kaduna

Zulum Pledges Support for Vulnerable Individuals Enrolling in Piloting and Other Studies at IBUAM—-Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has announced plans to sponsor some youths for degree programmes at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM).

Zulum made the announcement when the founder of the university, Dr Isaac Balami and the institution’s management team paid a visit to the governor on Thursday in Maiduguri.

The governor, however, directed the ministry of education in collaboration with the State Scholarship Board to start the process for selecting indigent youths for the sponsorship of degree programmes in high-value disciplines at the private institution.

According to him, the selection process will prioritise indigent youths who demonstrate academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue such expensive courses.

“On our part, as the government of Borno State, we will do everything possible to support this university within our reach.

“I want to most sincerely thank you for the offers you have given to the government and people of Borno State for the training of a sizable number of aircraft planners and aircraft technicians.

“Deliberately, I invited the Commissioner for Education and the Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board; they will liaise with you to see how candidates will be sent to your university.

“The Commissioner for Education and your team, you will identify the most vulnerable in the population who can benefit from this scheme: those who cannot afford, nor can their parents, to undertake those aeronautics courses.

“I don’t want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor or the commissioner to be selected. Purely on merit! Mind you, I have to vet the list after the selection process,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Balami, also a trained aircraft engineer, expressed appreciation to Borno government who made him to became an aircraft engineer for given him the scholership to study at the right time.

He announced that his institution would also provide free training to 54 Borno indigenes in Aircraft Planning and Aircraft Technology as a pay back in appreciation of what the has done to him

Balami said the gesture was an act of giving back to the society, inspired by a scholarship he received years ago from the Borno Government which paved the way for his own career in aeronautics.

He said that two person from each of the 27 local governments in Borno would be trained as aircraft planners and aircraft technicians making the total of 54 persons.

Balami said that the establishment of the institution was a deliberate response to the skill gaps in Nigeria’s aviation industry, adding that Borno would continue to have more opportunities of training their sons and daughters in the institution to bridge the gaps.

He said that the IBUAM’s students would not only graduate with degree but with international certification with aircraft maintenance, simulation, avionics and aeronautical operations.

Balami said that every student at IBUAM would be spending every holiday and break in hanger, flying, repairing engines, working on landing gears, and gaining real experience the industry demand.

He said that the IBUAM’s students were expected at graduation to work anywhere in the world unsupervised.