Six indigenous athletes from Okpekpe have received a combined ?8 million in prize money under a special fund reserved for local runners at the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, organisers announced this week.
The money was credited directly into the athletes’ bank accounts last week, marking the first time each of the six had earned more than ?1 million in prize money from athletics.
James Raphael and Jessica Matthew, winners of the men’s and women’s races respectively, each received ?1.5 million. Innocent Odamah and Loveth Joseph, who finished second in the men’s and women’s categories, each received ?1.3 million, while Abuke Nathaniel and Bose Etsekumhe, who placed third, each received ?1.2 million.
The fund was sponsored by Dan Oil chairman Idris Umar and Nigeria’s Minister of Niger Delta Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, in partnership with race promoter Mike Itemuagbor. It was introduced to ensure the host community shares directly in the success of the race and to encourage young people in Okpekpe to take up athletics.
Race promoter Mike Itemuagbor said the initiative reflects the founding philosophy of the event.
‘The Okpekpe Road Race has always been about more than elite competition,’ he said. ‘From the beginning, our vision has been to use sport as a tool for development by creating opportunities for our people, discovering new talents and ensuring that the host community benefits directly from the global recognition the race has attracted. Seeing our indigenous athletes earn life-changing rewards is one of the most fulfilling achievements of this project.’
Omokhagbor Sixtus, a prominent son of Okpekpe who has been involved with the race since its inception in 2013, said the rewards were proof the event was delivering lasting benefits to the community.
‘We sincerely appreciate Mike Itemuagbor, Idris Umar and Hon. Abubakar Momoh for this great initiative and for creating an opportunity that has lifted six Okpekpe athletes to millionaire status,’ Sixtus said. ‘This is not just a victory for the athletes but a moment of pride for the entire Okpekpe community.’
Now in its 11th edition, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has grown into one of Africa’s leading road running events. It was the first road race in West Africa to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified course measurer and the first in the region to be awarded a World Athletics Label – certification reserved for races meeting stringent standards in course accuracy, athlete participation, technical organisation, safety, anti-doping compliance and event quality.