By Teddy Nwanunobi
Former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, beat the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, by 3 seconds when he finished with a time of 1 hour 17 minutes and 57 seconds in the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race ahead of Shaibu who finished with a time of 1 hour 18 minutes.
Shaibu’s time in the race on Saturday, which took place in Edo State, meant that he retained his personal record.
According to a statement signed by Shaibu’s S. A. Media, Ben Ogbemudia, the VIP race experienced a delay due to technical reasons and eventually commenced at exactly 10:05 a.m., shortly after the elite athletes had begun their race at 9:00 a.m. Nigerian time.
”For Shaibu, the race was another testament to his commitment to sports development and healthy living. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most active public office holders in sports, the former deputy governor had undergone just a week of preparations for the race. Remarkably, less than 24 hours before the competition, he had completed a 5-kilometre training run at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, underscoring his dedication and readiness,” it read.
Speaking with journalists at the finish line, Shaibu praised the consistency of the organisers of the Okpekpe Road Race, describing the event as one of Nigeria’s most successful international sporting competitions.
According to him, beyond the sporting excitement, the race continues to generate significant economic benefits for communities across Etsako land and Edo North Senatorial District, attracting visitors, athletes, officials and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
Daily NewsCraft reports that the Okpekpe 10km Road Race is a prestigious event in West Africa that continually promotes both local athletics and state tourism.