…unfolds preparations for this year’s 9th edition race.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has assured the people and residents of Edo State, including athletes and officials of adequate security during the upcoming Okpekpe 10KM Road Race, slated for Saturday, 27th May, 2023.
Shaibu gave the assurance at the Government House, Benin City, during a press briefing on the preparation for the 9th edition of the gold-label Okpekpe 10 road race which will take place in Okpekpe town, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to Shaibu: “We are happy that the Okpekpe Road Race is kept alive as we are getting closer to our target to make race diamond-label. The 2023 race will be on the gold label, we will put in our best to make the race the best in the world”.
“We have gone beyond the race, as we have also brought in students to be involved as they learn. Sports sharpens our knowledge, thousand ical ability and reduces social vices in society”.
He assured Edo people, residents, participating athletes and officials that the State will be safe for all, as the Obaseki-led administration has reduced the security challenges to the barest minimum.
“Adequate security measures are in place to ensure that all residents and visitors, including athletes coming into the State for the race, are, safe and protected”.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that he will be participating in the race, not for a prize, but for a cause. “Apart from running for a prize, you can also for a cause, like cancer or HIV”.
“I will be running for a cause which is cancer. I encourage those that can’t run for a prize to run for a cause”, Shaibu added.
The Chairman of Padmozi Sports, official organizers of the race, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor, said the 2023 Okpekpe Road Race scheduled for Saturday, 27th May will be run on gold label as the race has gone international.
“The road race this year has added few innovations, as we would be partnering with Edo University, Uzairue where about 200 students will work as volunteers for the game in the area of accommodation and medicals. Students from the Department of Mass Communication will also be part of the game”.
The race Director of Organization, Zak Amodu, said athletes will be coming from 10 different countries and would arrive Lagos on 23rd, May 2023.
“The athletes will come into Auchi on the 24th and leave 28th after the race on the 27th of May 2023. Accreditation partners will be coming from Dubai and Netherlands, as new software devices will be used for accurate education of athletes during the games to reduce cheating. The accreditation will take 5 days and would commence on 22nd May 2023”.
Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yussuf Alli, who doubles as a technical official of the race stated that the Okpekpe Road Race is one of the best in Nigeria and indeed, Africa.
“We are proud to be from this part of the world, as the race has brought much honour to Nigeria”, Yussuf Alli added.
Highpoint of the press briefing was the official unveiling of the jersey to be used for the race by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, amidst cheers and celebration.