Though the 2019 edition of the annual Adron Games had come and gone but the impression the colourful event has created will linger on for a while, especially in the minds of those who participated in one way or the other, in the 3-day sporting events. It was the 4th edition of a brilliant initiative of the Nigeria’s leading property coy, Adron Homes and Properties. Adron Games, according to the organisers, is not only aimed at making sure the staff are physically fit, but also to sensitise the general public on the importance of exercise, in relation to healthy living and productivity. This year’s edition, tagged ‘Festival of Fitness’, held between 11-13 October 2019, at the new Awolowo Sports Complex of the University of Ibadan. The programme featured several sporting activities as well as many superstars both in the sport and entertainment industries.
For the three days that the program lasted, U.I, venue of the amazingly packaged events, came alive. Signs that the Games was on could be felt right from the main gate of the premier university down to the venue, as different banners and promo materials were sighted at strategic locations. In fact, to say that the whole program was colourful would be an understatement; it was incredible. As everywhere around the venue was turned Lemon and White, which is the official colours of Adron.
City People’s Correspondent, DARE ADENIRAN, however, was at the 3-day program and captured the activities of the 2019 Adron Games. Here are all the behind the scene gists you may want to read about the events. Enjoy it.
WHY ADRON GAMES
For those who may be wondering what has property business got to do with sports, it is worthy to state that the Adron Homes and Properties Group Managing Director, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking is a visionary man with a business mind. He believes strongly in capacity building and that has been secret of his success in business in the past years. And like the popular saying that ‘health is wealth’, he doesn’t joke with the wellness of his staff either the welfare. Hence the creation of Adron Games some years back. According to him, “this year’s Games is a significant milestone in fostering Networking, Fitness and Bonding initiative of Adron Homes. Adron Games was created to cement friendship and unity within us as a corporate organization and our nation. We believe that we must not only be fit but we must also be healthy. Hence, we have been promoting fitness all these years through our annual Adron Games.’
ABOUT THE GAMES
Every year, since the first edition, Adron Games keep growing bigger and better and this year’s edition was not an exemption. In fact, it was more colourful and superb. It was unique because new innovations, as well as new games, were introduced. In which, six territories of the company from different zones participated in sporting activities like march pass, table tennis, football competition, relay race, sack race, volleyball, basketball and shotput. Other games witnessed at the event include long jump, thug of war, fix relay, 4 by 100, 3-legged and 4-legged races. The territories are Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Midland, Ogun, Ibadan, Abuja, Head Office and Construction. Apart from the staff, six higher institutions in Ibadan (University of Ibadan; Lead City University; the Polytechnic, Ibadan; Federal Corporative College; Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria and Institute of Agricultural Research and Training) were also invited. They participated in the Invitational race which includes 100 metres, 4 by 100 metres race etc. Interestingly, heads of groups of the company, both male and female, also participated in 100 metres race.
THE COLOURFUL OPENING CEREMONY
The fact that Adron Homes GMD, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking and his lovely wife, who also doubles as Executive Director (ED) of the company, Yeye Aderonke have a hight taste for quality things played out at the opening ceremony as well as other phases of the event. The organisation, decoration, fireworks, the beautiful ushers and everything were aesthetically put together, and that speaks volume about their personalities. Immediately after the Games was declared opened by GMD, alongside his wife, Ibadan Cultural Troupe took the stage. Their performance was followed by a march past, which saw the six territories displayed beautiful costumes. Brilliant performance of the pop act, Sean Tizzle also added more flavour to the opening ceremony.
MEET ADRON’S SPORTS AMBASSADORS
In order to drive home its point of being a promoter of unity and fitness in the society, Adron Homes had incorporated some sports superstars into the Games. They are the set of people who have made Nigeria proud in one game or the other. The list includes ex-international footballers Mutiu Adepoju, popularly known as headmaster; Victor Ikpeba, the Prince of Monaco; Peter Rufai, Dodomayana; Yisa Sofoluwe; Ogunfimiyin Simon and Waidi Akanni. Track queen Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Special Adviser to the Sports Minister, Mr Sunday Dare and sports broadcaster and NWFL President Aisha Falode are also on the list.
WHEN SPORTS MEET ENTERTAINMENT
Apart from different sporting activities witnessed at the 2019 Adron Games, participants, as well as invited guests, were entertained by dance groups and music stars. Some of the highlights of the performances were that of music stars Sean Tizzle, who did his thing at the opening ceremony and 9nice whose electrifying performance at the finale held the guests spellbound. While David Abraham’s Explicit Dancers gave a good account of themselves, many up and coming music acts were not left out of action as well.
…AND ABUJA CHEERLEADERS STOLE THE SHOW
One group whose presence couldn’t be ignored at this year’s edition of Adron Games was the Cheerleaders from Abuja. The beautiful ladies in their Black and Gold costume were sort of inspiration to participants and at the same time entertained the guests.
THE WINNERS
Though there was no loser as far as this year’s edition of the program is concerned because all the participants came on board with their best with the right attitude, the winning spirit. In fact, they all did wonderfully well but at the same time, there must be a winner in every game. Some of the territories who came out victorious in different games include Abeokuta territory; they won both male and female football match finals. Construction territory won the thug of war game while Emmanuel Okolo of head office won shot put finals male and Lara Abass from mainland territory won the female category. Abuja won the female sac race final while Ogun also won 4 by 100 metres race. For the invitational race: U.I won 100 metres in both male and female categories. While Azeez Mariam and Idowu Oluwamurewa of Lead City University came first in 200 metres relay race in female and male categories respectively. Lead City University also won 4 by 100 metres, while U.I won the male category.
ADRON’S WIFE’S FAVOURITE TERRITORY WAS THE OVERALL CHAMPION
One couldn’t but notice Adron boss’ wife, Yeye Aderonke’s strong attachment to the head office territory at this year’s edition of Adron Games. It was obvious that she supported head office team while her husband was in support of Ibadan territory. But at the end of it all, her favourite territory was declared the overall champion of 2019 Adron Games. The love and excitement were written all over Yeye Aderonke’s face, as her team was announced the winner.
GOV. SEYI MAKINDE WAS ABLY REPRESENTED
Though he couldn’t make it to the Games arena due to other state’s engagements, but the executive governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde was ably represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede. The 27-year-old commissioner didn’t mince words as he expressed his satisfaction with the great idea by Adron. Describing as exciting, the arrangement, commitment and massive turnout at the Games. Fakorede stated further that he was so impressed with what he witnessed at the program. He, therefore, called on others who may have the same idea that Adron has put up to come on board to partner with Oyo State government. According to him, “Oyo government is open for great ideas like this. We are ready to partner with those with genuine and brilliant ideas that can promote our sports and other areas of governance.”
DANCE QUEEN, KAFFY’S SPECIAL ROLE
The dance queen and the Guinness Book of Records breaker, Kaffy was one of those who added glamour and colour to this year’s edition of Adron Games. For the three days that the Games lasted, Kaffy was the one leading early morning aerobics class before the commencement of games each day. Adron GMD and his wife were fully part of the class. Kaffy also moderated the dance competition section of the games. Those who participated in the dance competition must have gained one or two things from her words of encouragement and advice.
TOP CELEBS IN THE HOUSE
Apart from sport stars that graced the program for the exciting three days of fitness, fun and entertainment, there were a good number of top celebrities in attendance. They include Hon. Tayo Agbaje; Bola of Multimedia; Alhaja Labake Lawal and her powerful entourage; daughter of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and many others.
BETWEEN SAHEED BALOGUN, AREWA AND FEMI AMUSAN
The trio of the Director of Communication, Adron Homes and Properties and popular actor, Saheed Balogun; Femi Amusan of AIT and another staff of Adron, Kemi Arewa were the anchors of the program during this year’s edition of Adron Games. While Saheed Balogun and Arewa handled were the masters of ceremony, Femi Amusan was the commentator. They all did wonderfully well. In fact, Saheed Balogun was able to display his comedic skills at the program.
ABOUT ADRON BOSS’ SENSE OF HUMOUR
The fact that Adron boss, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking understands the power of leadership and unity played out during the 3-day sporting activities. He knows virtually all the names of his staff from different zones, both junior and senior staff. His involvement could also be felt in the organisation and execution of the program, he was fully on ground and gave the organising committee his full support. Only that, he also participated in one or two games. He played table tennis and cycled around the pitch. That shows his level of fitness and commitment to the course he believes in.
