Organisers of the historic 8th Okpekpe international 10km road race have been assured of adequate security coverage for the World Athletics Elite Label race scheduled to hold in Okpekpe, Edo state on Saturday May 28, 2022.
Zack Amodu, the race director reveals that the Nigeria Police has granted request by Pamodzi Sports Marketing, organisers of the the race designated, through its label status as one of the leading road races around the world for a total security coverage of the event.
The Nigeria Police conveyed its approval via a letter dated March 24, 2022 and signed by CP Idowu Owohunwa, principal staff officer to the Inspector general of Police.
‘The Okpekpe race organisers have always worked closely with the Nigeria Police to ensure the safety of our runners and spectators,’ said Amodu who revealed measures that have been mapped out to ensure safety of runners and spectators come May 28 in Okpekpe.
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”Police and medical units will be stationed at the start and the finish line as well as along the race course. No spectators will be allowed in the immediate finish line area,’ he stated adding that runners will not be permitted to linger or wait for another runner in the finish line area.
”There will be a designated area for spectators to view the finish line as only runners, accredited race officials and medical personnel will be allowed within the start and finish areas,’ Amodu added.
”While we request that runners and spectators remain alert and report abandoned bags/suspicious object to race officials and EOD of the Nigeria police force, members of the the press will also be required to present Photo ID and must always wear their accreditation tags before access to restricted areas, in addition to their bags and equipment being subjected to inspection.”
”The safety and security of runners, volunteers, spectators, staff of Pamodzi Sports Marketing, Edo state government officials, Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials, our sponsors as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development remains our highest priority.
”We are delighted the Nigeria Police has, once again granted our request and can assure those who will be around and in Okpekpe on race day of their safety as well as providing adequate security patrol along Benin-Auchi Road.
Amodu is confident of another hitch-free event on May 28, assuring that Pamodzi Sports Marketing, Edo state governemnt and the AFN have the capacity and experience to ensure everything goes well on race day.
