Road Running: A Catalyst For Nigeria’s Economy, Youth Development, Says Itemuagbor

Mike Itemuagbor, promoter of the renowned Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, has extended a warm welcome to delegates attending the African Road Running Conference in Lagos. He expressed strong belief that the two-day event, running from 12th to 13th February, will invigorate the sport across the continent.

The conference, hosted in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, boasts an impressive line-up of attendees, including Alessio Punzi, Head of Road Running at World Athletics, and Kenyan athletics legend Paul Tergat.

Itemuagbor, whose Okpekpe race holds the distinction of being the first in Nigeria and West Africa to achieve World Athletics label status, emphasised the opportune moment for Africa to reposition road running as a significant sporting and socio-economic force.

“Let me first say a big welcome to all the international delegates to this conference in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. I am thrilled we have the opportunity to discuss road running in Africa,” Itemuagbor stated.

He highlighted that the benefits of road running extend beyond sport, positively impacting “health, economy, tourism, and national identity.”

He underscored that the conference aims to align with global standards, elevate athletes, showcase organisational innovations, and spotlight the economic and social contributions of road running. Itemuagbor cited Kenya and Ethiopia as prime examples of how road running can revolutionise societies, serving as a “major source of employment” and producing thousands of elite runners who drive their regions and countries forward. He believes Nigeria can replicate this success to boost employment.

Itemuagbor, recognised for his pioneering efforts in elevating Nigerian road running to a world-class standard, hopes the Lagos conference will enlighten both the private sector and government on the importance of funding the discipline. He also urged Nigerian athletics authorities to re-evaluate their development strategies.

The Okpekpe race promoter commended the Shehu Dikko-led National Sports Commission for hosting the event, describing the conference as the “ginger” Nigeria needs to further its commitment to distance running.