By Aderonke Ojo
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has partnered the 10km Okpekpe Road Race billed for May 23, 2026 in Edo State.
Director General ,NIS, Comrade Philip Shaibu disclosed this when he endorsed the gold label race.
”On our part as the National Institute for Sports, we will support the organizers in the area of training to ensure the 2026 edition is more successful than previous editions. The Okpekpe race is not just the pride of Edo State but it has become the pride of Nigeria as a country.” He said.
Shaibu who commended the organizers for sustaining the race since 2013, while he looks forward to a day when the Okpekpe race would attain a diamond label.
”Since the maiden edition in 2013, the organizers have maintained this race on an annual basis. That alone is commendable. The race has been labelled gold and I know that soon with the support of the NIS and other stakeholders in Nigerian Sports, the World Athletics will consider the Okpekpe Road Race for a diamond label”. Shaibu explained.
The NIS DG/CEO also declared his participation in the 10km race and that he has begin his preparation already.
”I am already preparing myself for this race. This is not my first participation and the 2026 edition will not be my last”. The DG concluded.