The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin
Obaseki, has commended organisers of the
annual 10km Okpekpe International Race for
their new status as an International
Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)
Silver Label event.
The governor said the elevation acknowledges
the standard and relevance of the race in
promoting sports development.
In a statement, the governor, who expressed
excitement over the news of the 10km race
elevation to IAAF Silver Label event, said his
administration will continue to support the
organisers in strengthening the event to
ensure that it records even more deserving
global acclaim.
“The elevation of the race to a Silver Label
event is cheering for us all, as it will open the
state to more opportunities to leverage its new
status for sports tourism and youth
development. This will lead to further drive
socio-economic development of the state,” he
said.
He added that the recognition by the
renowned athletics body is testimony to how
well the organisers of the event have
professionally managed promoting the event,
with sufficient support from the state
government, adding “This is once again a proof
that the projects driven through Public Private
Partnership (PPP) in the state are of
international repute.”
Obaseki said, “The state has a mission to use
sports to drive youth engagement. The
recognition is a morale booster for these
youths and we hope that with the increased
traffic expected to accrue from it, we expect
more patronage and creation of direct and
indirect jobs for youths involved in the project.
“We are committed to pushing for more
reforms to attract similar laudable projects to
the state to drive development of the state
and prosperity for Edo people.”
