Edo State Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu says the world acclaimed and historic Okpekpe international 10k road race is returning bigger and better this year.
Shaibu also reiterated the commitment of the state government towards making the retain its historic and number one status in Nigeria nay West Africa.
“The Okpekpe international 10km road race is back this year with the eighth edition and it has come to stay,’ said Comrade Shaibu at the press conference Wednesday in Benin heralding this year’s race.
The deputy governor dismissed insinuations that he is against the organization of the race.
“The race is a constant fixture in the calendar of the state just as it is in the calendar of World Athletics. Nobody, not even I, Comrade Philip Shaibu can kill the race,” he added and revealed plans are in top gear to institutionalize the race.
“We have had a meeting with Pamodzi Sports marketing, the main organiser of the race and we agree on the need to institutionalize it so that it can live after us. That’s the level of commitment the Edo State government is showing,” he said and revealed other benefits of the race to the people and government of Edo State.
” The race has helped the state government to showcase the giant strides it has made and it is making in the infrastructural development of the state, both rural and urban.”
The Edo State Deputy Gov says the ultimate objective is to become the first road race probably in Africa to be awarded a platinum label
The deputy governor further revealed that all athletes that will participate in the race this year will undergo antigen test for COVID-19.
