… say initiative will spur innovation, investment through sports
Two academic and creative wizards of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Owoeye Precious and Adesanmi Dayo PraiseGod, of the Department of Computer Science, have collaborated with an NGO, Bridgewaters Foundation, to develop a community engagement, crowd funding and racing in app, the GOPADI app, which is currently being deployed for the seasonal Ekiti marathon race.
Now that social distancing and health challenges occasioned by COViD 19 is no longer a pandemic, Ekiti Marathon is set to return with a big technological boost to allow for digital community engagement , crowd sourcing, running and digital tracking of sites/distance covered for innovative ideas in Ekiti by all lovers and friends of Ekiti across the globe.
The Ekiti marathon race is set to extract values from sport, leisure and passion for community development to galvanize ideas and investments into Ekiti, thus driving socio-economic development for the youthful population and the state at large.
The GOPADI app was.created by the students with its innovation and funding provided by Bridgewaters Foundation.
Revealing the inspiration behind the app, the President and founder of Bridgewaters Foundation, Mr. Segun Oke, said:
“We are starting this edition, the Ekiti marathon race 2022, with an exponential boost using technology in part to stimulate and model the power of creativity in unlocking creativity but to also demonstrate the power of a connected economies or collaboration through technology . What Owoeye Precious and Adesanmi Dayo PraiseGod, Computer science students of Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) have created is a demonstration of the power of possibility and the unlimited reward and power, which can bring to individuals who simply dare to believe and venture. When called into the project, they were initially scared but that is history today. For this, they are getting a share of the business and we hope this help stimulate other young people.
“Ekiti Marathon App GOPADI seeks to galvanize Ekiti natives, friends and lovers across the globe to run/walk and cycle using mobile phones or smart watches to stimulate investments into noble business/social ideas in Ekiti while rewarding winners of the race and winning ideas with fabulous prizes.
Oke who further said that the marathon and GOPADI app are capable of bringing fortunes to the state, added that : “
Before we all leave Ekiti and help to populate Lagos and another economy in search of better living, thereby deepening the poverty of our dear Ekiti Land, we ask you to invest in us. How? You can’t deny the quest for originality in an Ekiti-born child, mainly reflected in the hunger for higher learning in the passing generation without a commensurate translation into commerce and industry.
“This was and remained a massive gap in our society. We cannot blame anyone because there were few helpers and accomplished fellows then. That grace has not died or diminished in the new generation of Ekiti. We can think and build a global business that can create an impact beyond Ekiti. And thankfully, we’ve got you.
“We are not asking that you throw money at us, but to allow for the democratization of and sponsorship and investments into our ideas, using your various positions and networks. First, we could demonstrate our passion for community building and turn the world’s attention here via technology, which would require sponsorship. And guess what? It is not for nothing. Our virtual Marathon and physical Marathon prosecuted via mobile and smart watches make it possible to deliver outstanding values to your business brands beyond the shores of Ekiti.
“And you see, Investments have no barriers, and it flows where there is a demonstrated validated market. We are using Ekiti Marathon to accomplish these, among other things. Help make the most impact-oriented, fun-drilled, and electrified Marathon on the globe a massive success. Please stand with us, get your employer or business to sponsor and be ready to invest, run, walk, hike or make an advance deposit for a noble social/ business idea on our marathon app.
When asked what makes Ekiti Marathon stand out, the Project Manager , Adenike SegunOKe said: “We know that you can participate from wherever you are, anywhere in the world, by using the GoPadi app on the mobile phone for the Marathon.
You are not just running to win prizes or improve your health; you are also walking or cycling. The distances you cover would help support the most innovative business or social ideas that would benefit Ekiti and receive awards, prices and investments.”
This year’s edition would premier in September with a virtual race which will culminate in the physical race in December 2022.
