Edo Dep Gov to Raise Cancer Awareness at 2023 Okpekpe Race
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who will participate in this year’s Okpekpe international 10km road race has hinted that he will be running to raise awareness about cancer.
Shaibu revealed yesterday at the press conference in Benin City to herald the May 27, 2023 race in Okpekpe that he has registered for the race. “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 decided to raise awareness about cancer this year because of the perception of people about the disease. “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 with adequate security put in place for athletes, officials and fans.
“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, organiser of the historic race, revealed that about 200 students from Edo State University in Uzairue will be used as volunteers.
“The essence of using university students from Uzairue is to give the young ones from our immediate environment the opportunity to participate in key decision making processes.
“This year’s race is the ninth edition and arrangements are in place to organize another world-class race,” he concluded.
