.Oshiomhole’s investiture as Race Ambassador
Participants in the 10 kilometer 2026 Okpekpe Road Race had their fill. The contest was fierce. Expectedly, athletes from the horn of Africa dismissed the strong showing of their east African counterparts and dominated the field as Ethiopia’s Mama Lama and Silenet Bitwe won the men’s and women’s categories.
In a moment rich with symbolism and pride, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who has participated in every race from inception, was formally invested as the Race Ambassador for the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race.
The investiture dinner came hours after the 11th edition of the race at 8:30am in Okpekpe, Edo North.
While the announcement of his ambassadorial role was made weeks before the race proper, the ceremony the crowning glory and a celebration of a man whose vision and leadership made the race a reality.
As Governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole constructed the roads linking Okpekpe and its neighbouring communities to Auchi. That act of development transformed the once remote terrain into a global athletics hub, enabling Nigeria to host its first World Athletics Label 10km road race in 2015.
Over the years, Oshiomhole has not only facilitated the race but also embodied its spirit.
He has participated as Governor, as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and now as Senator representing Edo North.
His presence has consistently underscored the race’s blend of sport, community, and culture.
Being invested as Race Ambassador is a tribute to his enduring role as a bridge between athletics and development, a recognition of his commitment to endurance, unity, and progress.
For a road race that has become a beacon of excellence in African athletics, honouring the man who laid its foundation is both fitting and inspiring.
The day’s investiture dinner was not only to celebrate Oshiomhole’s journey but also a reaffirmation of the Okpekpe race as a jewel of Nigerian sport, a gathering where community pride meets global recognition.
The 2026 Okpekpe race also witnessed the crystalisation of Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions. The traditional Edo soups noted for their rich, hearty flavours and deep cultural significance were on display. The numerous visitors had a field day exploring the rich food culture – a vibrant mosaic of flavors defined by aromatic spices, hearty carbohydrate staples, rich palm oil stews, and a deep communal tradition where food serves as the centerpiece of hospitality and social life.
Nothing was taken for granted. The helicopter hovering was for security surveillance. The cuisine, the shows etc. You may tell Jemighan to do a few paragraphs
There was more to Okpekpe 2026 that left both natives and visitors in awe. Happening at this period in Nigeria, a country witnessing intractable security challenges, organisers did not leave anything to chance. Adequate security was provided on land and in the air. An helicopter carrying Security personnel flew above the runners , beaming its searchlight on every inch of the race track. On land there was well equipped personnel, with some in plain clothes.
