Oshiomhole: I can do what young people do

Adams Oshiomhole, governor of Edo state, says he is strong and capable of doing what young people do.

Speaking on Saturday after partaking in the 10 kilometers Okpekpe road race in the state, Oshiomhole, who got married to Cape Verdean model Lara Forte on Friday, expressed delight that the sport activity had brought progress to the state.

Oshiomhole came tops in the Very Important Personality (VIP) category with a time of 88 minutes.

“To do 10 kilometers after the wedding assured me that I am capable and strong to what young people can do,” he said after the race.

“I want to congratulate myself just as the winner congratulated himself, because doing the 10km after all the activities of yesterday reassured me that I am still fit.

“I am excited that Okpekpe community is not only now at the world map but people from various part of the world of various countries and various continent are now participating actively in what is now known as the Okpekpe annual 10km road race.

“I am satisfied that part of our objective of rural development policy has been achieved by the growing interest which this competition has continued to attract, but I will feel more fulfilled if our industrialists, our bankers, our investors can complement this effort by taking off corporate industries and other business activities. That is the only way we can increase the prosperity of our rural people.

“I want to congratulate all those who have participated in this year’s edition. I congratulate, of course, those who are going away with prizes, but we should even congratulate more those who are not going away with prizes but who participated in this exercise. I think I am one of those who will not be going away with a prize in spite of my effort.

“This is one practical way to remind all of us that there is life outside urban cities and that the real Nigerians, the forgotten majority are in our rural communities.

“For all us of who participated in this competition, you will observe the beautiful scenery, greens all over the place, beautiful valleys, lovely hills you will think that you are in San Francisco.”

Meanwhile, Kenyan athletes won most of the trophies in the competition.

In the male category, Kenyan Alex Korio won with 29 minutes 20 seconds to place first, while Leigh Gabriesileshe of Ethiopia came second with a time of 29 minutes 22 seconds and Amos Muteh of Kenya came third with a time of 29 minutes 24 seconds.

Another Kenyan, Tanui Nkele, came first in the female category with a time of 33:34, while Rino Ripo also of Kenya came second with a time of 33:52. Mary Wasera made it a clean sweep for the Kenyans with a time of 34:31 to come third.

The first prize winners in both the male and female categories went home with $25,000 each, while the second prize winners got $15,000 each. The third prize winners in both categories received $10,000 each.

The race was introduced two years ago to boost the tourism sector of the state.