The Secretary to Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Benedicta Attoh yesterday said that the Okpekpe 10 Kilometer.
Road Race, which commenced in 2013 has increased local and small businesses in the community and its environs.
In a text message to our correspondent, she noted that the tournament has placed Okpekpe on the global map.
The secretary added the tournament has culminated in the establishment of various sports groups.
Her words: “The 10 kilometer road race has impacted positively on the lives of the citizens and the community at large in so many ways. Firstly, it has increased local and small businesses in the catchment area especially during the event therebyxboosting the local economy.
“It has also placed the community on the world map. Thirdly, it has raised an awareness of sports among the local people and Nigerians as a whole . Within the Okpekpe community, various sports groups are springing up as a result of the road race. ”
A retiree in Okpekpe, Mr. Jacob Egwame maintained that the event has not only brought the community to a limelight, it has also created an avenue for petty traders to make brisk business.
He said that to the people, that the impact has been an awareness that such an important international event takes place ”
in their once forgotten and neglected area to which they now look forward annually for its staging.”
Another indigene of Okpekpe, Barrister Timothy Itere said that the tournament has brought Okpekpe Community into international limelight, impacting positively in the socio-economic activities of the community.