Edo government proves critics wrong, announces date for Okpekpe Race

By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State government has proved   critics wrong with the  announcement declaring May 28,2022 for the  eighth edition of the Okpekpe Race.

Edo state deputy governor, Rt hon comrade Philip Shaibu made the disclosed the date of the race during  a Press briefing   at the Government House, Benin .

The recent participation of the State deputy governor, Hon Phillip Shaibu, in the just concluded Lagos Marathon race has sparked mixed reactions across the state .

His participation drew the ire of critics who queried it against the backdrop of the uncertainty trailing the Okpekpe road race. Many concluded that the shaibu's participation in the race signal the end of okpekpe race.

According to Shaibu, Plans were on to institutionalize the 10 klm Silver label race.  

 He further said a board of trustees is being put in place to ensure  race  out live this government and indeed, the organisers, Padmozu Sports. 

" It will also become part of the Edo State Government's annual sports calender, "  the Deputy Governor said.      
                 
Shaibu explained that the two years break in the Okpekpe Road Race was as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic that crippled commercial and sports  activities across the globe, noting that the road race has come to stay. 

”We are delighted to announce to you that the 10klm  Okpekpe Road Race is coming back bigger  and stronger in May 28, 2022 after the COVID-19 outbreak that claimed over 3m lives worldwide.

 The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic ensured that, like many other label races and sports across the globe, our event could not hold in 2020 and 2021", Shaibu said.
 
On their part,  Organizers of Okpekpe Road Race, and Chairman of Padmozi Sports, Mr Mike Itemuagbor and the Technical Consultant of the Road Race, Mr Zak Amodu stated that the  race which has over the years attracted international recognition will be fully and better  organized this year. 

They both thanked the  Edo State Government led by His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, snd other co-sponsors for their concern and support. They specifically singled outbreak the Nigeria Brewries for mention. He assured the public of  a bigger and more funded race this time around. 

"Okpekpe Road Race is an annual event in Edo State, Nigeria. It is a 10 Kilometre Road Race over hills and tarred roads, starting from Apana Road and ending in Okpekpe town.

 The 2018 edition of the race featured participants from Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Israel, Bahrain, Morocco  and Nigeria".


Okpekpe Road Race is the first road race in Nigeria and West Africa to be granted a label by World Athletics body and designated as one of the leading road races around the world,.
 

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