In a groundbreaking move to enhance sports education and athletic performance in Nigeria, the Executive Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has initiated the establishment of a world-class running school at Ilaji Resort.
As part of this vision, Mike Antoniades, founder and director of the Running and Movement School, UK, led a high-powered delegation to Ilaji Resort, conducting specialized training sessions for Ilaji Football Club players, young talents from Ona Ara Local Government schools, and public primary school teachers.
The training featured: Classroom sessions for Ilaji FC coaches, players, and public school teachers, Afternoon drills with selected primary school pupils, Evening workouts at Ilaji International Mini Stadium
Beyond football training, public primary school teachers and pupils were also engaged in lessons on physical and health education to evaluate their level of knowledge and teaching methods. The training emphasized the importance of regular physical activity in schools, including sports, games, and football. Practical teaching methods for physical education instructors. The role of exercise in boosting students’ academic performance and Encouraging schools to integrate daily exercise routines into their curriculum
To further reinforce these lessons, all participating pupils engaged in various exercise routines, movement drills, and endurance training, learning firsthand the benefits of physical fitness in mental and physical development.
Chief Sanusi reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a permanent running school at Ilaji Resort, with full-scale training programs launching in September. The initiative aims to revolutionize sports education in Nigeria, ensuring young athletes and students develop world-class fitness and endurance skills.
Commending the initiative, Dr. Kolapo Temitope GLORIOUS, Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, lauded Chief Sanusi’s visionary leadership and praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s policies for fostering private-sector-driven sports development.
Ilaji FC Head Coach, Babatunde “Zico” Odubola, emphasized that the international expertise brought in will significantly improve player speed, stamina, and overall performance.
This initiative cements Ilaji Resort’s reputation as a premier hub for elite sports training while reinforcing Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s dedication to grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and quality physical education in schools.
