…assures adequate security for the sports event
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has been officially presented with his ceremonial jersey for Saturday’s Okpekpe 10km race.
In his remarks shortly after receiving the jersey at the presentation ceremony at the Government House, Benin City, the Deputy Governor noted that for the Okpekpe Road Race to attain the status of the diamond label, every edition of the race must be in conformity with international standards.
The jersey presentation was performed by Mr. Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Padmozi Sports, organizers of the Okpekpe 10km Road Race.
Shaibu affirmed that the organization of the race was getting better every event year, while expressing optimism that new records will be set in this year’s edition of the race, thereby, making the race more interesting.
The sports-loving Deputy Governor assured that the Edo State Government has put adequate preparations in place, for the security and safety of all the athletes and officials that will be involved in the exercise.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Padmozi Sports, official organizers of the race, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor, said “all is now set for this year’s edition of the race”.
He disclosed that his organization, in collaboration with some foreign partners, has introduced new technology in the form of a running leap in this year’s event.
According to him, the running leap with a unique number will help in identifying and having more knowledge of participants in the race.
Itemuagbor also observed that the beam will ensure accurate calculation of the time a runner starts and ends the race, up to the finish line.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the customized Okpekpe ceremonial jersey to the Deputy Governor, by Mr. Mike Itemuagbor, while a representative of the foreign partners, Jasser Ahmed, also presented the running leap to the Edo State’s number two citizen.
Photos: Egbobawaye Imuegbe