Lagos – This year’s Okpekpe 10-kilometre race received a major boost as the President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) said the event, backed by the Edo State Government, would boost the economy of the communities where it would be held.
PIC. 5. GOV. ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE (3RD R) OF EDO AND OTHERS TAKING
OFF DURING THE VIP RACE AT THE OKPEKPE INTERNATIONAL 10KM ROAD
RACE IN AUCHI, EDO, ON SATURDAY (4/5/13).
The race, now in its 3rd edition, would hold on May 16 in the sleepy Okpekpe town, near Auchi, in Edo.
A statement released by the Media Coordinator of the race, Ade Ojeikere, said the event; an IAAF bronze label competition, was an annual marathon that has attracted top marathoners from across the globe.
It quotes the President-elect as saying: “A road like this in the newly re-built Okpekpe town will boost the economy of the communities. It is something that not only government can provide.
“There is no doubt that this road will provide accessibility to these communities. Projects like this are testimonies of high level thinking by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and how the APC-led government will transform the country for good.’’
It quotes Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo as saying: “I feel fulfilled that God has used us to make a difference in the lives of very ordinary people.
“We are convinced that rural Nigerians should benefit from development.’’
The first two editions of the race were dominated by East Africans. (NAN)
