The 2025 edition of the Princes Mabel Madojiemu Schools Athletics Championships has been scheduled for February 20-22 at the Igueben Grammar School sports ground in Edo State.
In what appears to be a double celebration for the citizens of Igbueben, the 4th Princes Mabel Madojiemu Championships will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the coronation of the Onojie of Igueben and Okaigun of Esanland, His Majesty, Ehizogie Eluojierior, who is of the same parental lineage with Mabel Madojiemu a former 400m runner and Nigeria Olympian at the Athens 2004 Olympics.
She had encouraged young athletes in Edo State through the Princess Mabel Madojiemu Schools Athletics Championships for three years running and it has been her burning desire to get the competition to all zones of the State to reach more kids. A good number of athletes that represented Edo State in the National Youth Games were discovered at the yearly competition.
“We happy to have the competition coming up at the same time with the 40th anniversary Onojie of Igueben and Okaigun of Esanland, His Majesty, Ehizogie Eluojierior, who has been a pillar throughout my journey in athletics.
“It is a double celebration for us, and we look forward to the championships,” said Princess Madojiemu.
Technical director of the competition coach Mutiu Oluwa stated that all hands are on deck to ensure that the sports ground of Igueben Grammar School is ready to host the track and field events.
“We have to take the competition to the hinterland, because some of these schools found it difficult to come to Benin City, so now we are right at their doorsteps.
“Entries have been received from schools in the Edo Central and Edo North and we are doing everything to ensure that the venue is ready,” said coach Oluwa.
