Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki (right) exchanging pleasantries with Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Akin Dada with former Vice Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Isah Aremu (left) and Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong during the Okpekpe International Road Race held in Okpekpe, near Auchi, Edo State on Saturday.
Yemisi Izuora
The organisers of Okpekpe International 10 km Road Race, Pamodzi Sports Marketing, at the weekend lauded the consistent support of Ecobank Nigeria to the competition, saying the Bank has contributed immensely to the huge success recorded in the race.
Speaking during this year’s edition of the Road Race in Okpekpe, Edo State at the weekend, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pamodzi Sports Marketing, Mike Itemuagbor stated that Ecobank has demonstrated that it is a firm supporter of youth and sports development in the continent, and Nigeria in particular, stressing that, the competition is attracting athletes from all over the continent. He used the opportunity to call on other corporate organizations in the country to support sports development initiatives.
“We commend Ecobank for partnering with us over the years in organizing this race. It is engendering healthy competition among Africa youths. We wish to implore other corporate organizations to emulate Ecobank and support sports development initiatives,” he said.
In his comment, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Charles Kie reaffirmed the Bank’s support for the Road Race. Represented by Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Akin Dada, he noted that the objective of the organisers of the Race matches that of Ecobank and assured stakeholders that the Bank will continue to throw its weight behind the race as its Official Bank.
“I want to use this opportunity to state here that Ecobank fully endorse this competition and will like to assure you that we will continue to be associated with the Okpekpe International Road Race,” he said.
He commended the organisers for the elevation of the race by IAAF to a silver label status, stressed that the competition brings together men and women from various parts of the world.
“I want to congratulate the organisers of the annual Okpekpe International 10Km Road Race for the elevation of the race to a silver labeled status. We in Ecobank remain committed to our partnership with Okpekpe road race. It is always a great pleasure to be at the event,” he stated.
Kenyan athletes made a clean sweep in the male category of the 10km Okpekpe road race as Kibet Alex, ran 29 min 46 seconds to come first, Simon Cheprot who won the 2016 edition came second finishing in 30.29 while Ronoh Timothy took third with a time of 30.39. In the female category Ethiopian Yani Dera Dida came first and was followed by two Kenyans , Tuei Sandra Chebey and Kipyokei Diana who came second and third respectively.