The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Dikko Abubakar has released Assistant Commissioner of Police Gideon Akinsola to take charge of security during the second edition of the Okpekpe 10 kilometres road race which is biled to acquire International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF’s) gold label tag after the race on May 3.

Disclosing this to the media in Lagos yesterday, Okpekpe road race’s Director of Organisation Zak Amodu revealed that Akinsola, who is presently serving at the Kogi State Police Command as AC operations has been through this exercise before having handled the security aspect of the first edition last year.

PIC. 5. GOV. ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE (3RD R) OF EDO AND OTHERS TAKING
OFF DURING THE VIP RACE AT THE OKPEKPE INTERNATIONAL 10KM ROAD
RACE IN AUCHI, EDO, ON SATURDAY (4/5/13).

According to Amodu: “ to show the seriousness and committment to the race, the IGP has graciously approved the release of ACP Gideon Akinsola to coordinate and work with the edo state Police
Command.

”We are very grateful for the stroing interets shown towards the competitionsince it started last year by the IGP. Indeed, the IGP has in addition to Akinsola’s release for the race ordered the release of the police mobile bikes to assist in the traffic coordination and effective policing.

Meanwhile,  organisers of the Okpekpe 10km Road Race are confident that the Race which enters it’s second edition this year will soon be accorded the IAAF Gold Label Status.

Mike Itemuagbor,one of the initiators of the Race says plans are in top gear to host a top class event this year and fulfill the conditions spelt out by the IAAF to have the Okpekpe event recognised as a Gold Label Road Race.

”We have commenced series of planning and restructuring to ensure that the Okpekpe Road Race this year is not just better than last year,which was the first edition,but also up to standard internationally because our target is to make this the number one Road Race in the World.

”The IAAF have spelt out the conditions for us if we want the event to be accorded the Gold Label Status after this edition and we will do all that is possible to meet up these conditions and have that
Gold endorsement.

”This year,we are not going to make it an all comers affair especially for the international athletes. We will be inviting only athletes who are not running above 28 minutes for a 10km Road Race from a minimum of five countries as stipulated by the IAAF since the World Record is around 27 minutes.

”We have also signed up a comprehensive insurance package for participating athletes in line with best international practices as stipulated by the IAAF to take care of emergencies so that as from 2015,the Okpekpe Road Race will have a Gold Label Status and also be the number one Road Race in the World.