The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has assured the safety and security of athletes and other participants at the forthcoming 10km Okpekpe Road Race, scheduled for Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Shaibu gave the assurance while briefing journalists, at the Government House, Benin City, on the state of preparedness ahead of the ninth edition of the race.
The competition will take place in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday, 27th May, 2023.
The deputy governor at the event also unveiled the jersey for the 2023 race, calling for the support of all stakeholders.
Shaibu said, “We are happy that the Okpekpe Road Race is kept alive as we are getting closer to our target to make the race a diamond label. The 2023 race will be on a gold label as we put in our best in making 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, physical ability and reduces social vices in the society.”
Assuring of adequate security, the deputy governor said, “Adequate security measures is in place to ensure that all residents and visitors including athletes coming into the state for the race are all safe and protected”.
He added, “Apart from running for a prize, you can run for a course, either 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”.
Chairman, Sports Marketing Organizer, Mike Itamuagbor, said, “The road race this year has added few innovations as we would be partnering with Edo University where about 200 students will work as volunteers for the game in the area of accommodation and medicals. Students from the Mass Communication Department will also be part of the game”.
The Director of Organization, Zakari Amodu, said athletes will be coming from 10 different countries and would arrive in Lagos on the 23rd of May 2023, adding, “The athletes will come into Auchi on the 24th and leave on 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 accreditation of athletes during the games to reduce cheating. The accreditation will take 5 days and will commence on the 22nd of May, 2023″.