.As Oshiomhole hails organizers

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

Tanui Aifele and Alex Korio both from Kenya, yesterday took the female and male titles of the 3rd edition of the 10 kilometer Okpekpe Road Race, after finishing in 33.34 and 29.20 minutes in their respective categories.

PRESENTATION: Mrs Iara Oshiomhole, Edo State First Lady presents a trophy to Tanui Nkele of Kenya, winner of the 1st prize with 33.34 minutes in the 3rd edition of the Annual IAAF certified 10km Okpekpe race, on Saturday.

CONGRATULATIONS: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (L) congratulates Alex Korio of Kenya, winner in the male category in the 10km Okpekpe Road Race with a time of 29,20 minutes at the 3rd edition of the Annual IAAF certified 10km Okpekpe race, yesterday.

As expected, Kenyans won three positions in the female category and two out of the first three in the male category. The winners in both categories went home with $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Tanui Aifele was followed by Rionoripo while Mary Wacere came 3rd in the female category. In the male category, Alex Korio came first, he was followed by Leish Gabrielselase of Ethiopia while Amos Mutei of Kenya came 3rd.

Korio commended the organisers of the event and pledged to participate in future events “I am very happy, this is a race for Africa, I thank the organisers, it is to motivate us (Africans) and also the race was very competitive”.

Speaking earlier, governor Adams Oshiomhole who led several other political office holders and some celebrities from nollywood on the 10 kilometre race before the competition kicked off, called on   private sector investment in the sleepy Okpekpe community to open up the place.

“I am satisfied that the purpose of opening up this place is being fulfilled going by the level of acceptance the race has received locally and globally.

I appeal to our commercial banks and cottage industries to come here and boost commercial activities in this community” he stated.