By Uzor Odigbo
Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo state says he is participating in this year’s Okpekpe international 10km road race to raise awareness about cancer.
Shaibu revealed Thursday at the press conference in Benin City heralding the May 27, 2023 race in Okpekpe which he has already registered for.
“The good thing about the Okpekpe race is that you can register online. All I need to do now is to go to the designated venue to collect my running kits and bib,” said the sports-loving Deputy Governor.
Continuing, Shaibu said he decides to raise awareness about cancer this year because of the perception of people about the disease.
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“The good news is that being diagnosed with cancer does not necessarily translate to a death sentence. It can be treated if diagnosed early. There will be free screening for cancer for people at the race, especially the good people of Edo state to know early detection can save lives.’ Shaibu is delighted the Okpekpe race has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.
‘What started as a bronze label race in 2015, the first road running event in West Africa to be granted a label status by World Athletics has grown to become a gold label race, the first 10km road race in Nigeria to be granted a gold label status,’ added the deputy governor.
Speaking earlier, Mike Itemuagbor, organizer of the historic race revealed about 200 students from Edo state university in Uzauire will be used as volunteers.
‘The essence of using University students from Uzauire is to give the young ones from our immediate environment the opportunity to participate in key decision-making processes.
The Okpekpe International 10km road race is the first road running event to have its course measured by a World Athletics accredited course measurer.