6th May, 2013
The first ever 10km Okpekpe Road Race sponsored by Globacom was held on Saturday in Okpekpe, Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State with runners from East Africa dominating the race.
Eminent personalities such as the Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, Nollywood actors and actresses led by Zac Orji and Rachael Oniga, also participated in the race, which saw the best Nigerian in the male category placing 7th, while the best Nigerian in the female category came 8th.
Moses Mosai from Kenya came first in the male’s category, covering the 10 kilometre distance in 29.39 minutes and was followed by Thimothy Troitich of Uganda and Yusuf Bitwoth of Kenya in the second and third place respectively.
In the female’s category, Rono Georgina also of Kenya beat Deko Zemzen Ahmed of Ethiopia and Sofia Shemsu also of Ethiopia to the second and third positions respectively.
In his address during the presentation of prizes, the Minister of Sports praised Globacom and the organisers of the race, Pamodzi for encouraging rural sporting activities.
Governor Oshiomhole noted that the organisers and sponsors of the race had “ helped the Nigerian Government in demonstrating to the world the connection between sports and rural development”.
Speaking with newsmen, Globoacom Business Director for Edo State, Mr. Valentine Ossai, said that the company decided to support the race “because we appreciate anything that is Nigerian and noble.”
Highlights of the race was the completion f the entire 10 kilometre distance by Governor Oshimohle, who was initially billed to lead the VIP category for just four kilometers.