In a stellar show of endurance, father-and-daughter duo — Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and his daughter, Feyi Makinde — successfully completed the prestigious Brussels Half Marathon held in Belgium on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The Governor proudly announced the achievement on his social media platforms, marking another milestone in his active-lifestyle journey.
Tough Course, Greater Triumph
Governor Makinde clocked a finish time of 3 hours and 2 minutes, marking the completion of one of the most demanding half marathon routes he has encountered to date. “This is the most challenging course I have ever run as it was undulating with a major part of the course going uphill,” he wrote in his post.
He also candidly admitted that this time was about 10 minutes slower than his previous half-marathon this year—yet he stressed that every step of the journey was worth it.
A Family Affair of Fitness & Focus
The participation of his daughter, Feyi, adds a deeply personal layer to the Governor’s public image—one that extends beyond governance into the sphere of family wellness and healthy living. The two ran together in Belgium, an act that reflects not only a personal commitment to fitness but also an example-setting message for Nigerians to prioritise health, resilience and active lifestyles.
Governor Makinde applauded his daughter’s resilience and the shared experience, emphasising that such personal victories feed into broader public inspiration.
Why This Matters for Oyo and Beyond
While at first glance a half marathon may seem more sports headline than political milestone, this event carries deeper implications:
Leadership by example: In a country grappling with health-crises and sedentary lifestyles, a state governor publicly embracing endurance sports sends a powerful message about personal responsibility and healthy living.
Global visibility: Participating in an international race such as the Brussels Half Marathon places Oyo State—and by extension Nigeria—on the global stage, showing that Nigerian public figures can compete and be visible in international arenas beyond politics.
Symbol of determination: The Governor’s acknowledgement of the course’s difficulty and his willingness to share his slower-than-usual time communicates authenticity, humility and a willingness to push personal limits—qualities that resonate in leadership.
Family strength narrative: The father-daughter tandem underscores values of family unity, empowerment of young generations and promoting active lifestyles across tiers of society—important themes for social media, youth engagement and community health promotion.
The Race: Facts & Figures
The Brussels Half Marathon is part of the larger Brussels Marathon event, a reputable road-race series in Belgium. The course is noted for its undulating terrain and uphill stretches, making strong demands on energy and stamina. Governor Makinde’s comment that this course was “the toughest I have ever run” reflects the significant physical challenge it posed.
While exact numbers of participants or finishing statistics for this edition were not disclosed in the initial report, the focus remains on the personal accomplishment and the symbolism rather than podium placement.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
Will the Oyo State Government build on this personal fitness message with public‐health initiatives promoting running, walking or youth sports in the State?
Will Governor Makinde’s experience in Belgium translate into local marathon or half-marathon events in Oyo?
Could this participation spark greater interest from other Nigerian public figures in fitness challenges, triggering a trend of “governor as athlete” stories?
How will the social media engagement around this story evolve—will it lead to viral memes, fitness campaigns, or community running events in Oyo?
Final Thoughts
The completion of the Brussels Half Marathon by Governor Seyi Makinde and his daughter Feyi is much more than a mere timestamp in the marathon calendar. It is a statement: of endurance, family values, global aspiration and health-minded leadership. As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of public health, youth engagement and positive messaging, stories such as this provide fresh narratives of inspiration.
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