Mikel Itemuagbor, organiser of the annual Okpekpe international 10km road race has hailed the appointment of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Solomon Arase, as the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Arase, who was sworn in as the new boss at PSC by President Muhammadu Buhari last month, was Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police between 2015 and 2016, the year Okpekpe international 10km road race made history as the first road running event in West Africa to be granted a World Athletics label status.
In a congratulatory message, Itemuagbor described Arase’s appointment as the new chair of PSC as a well-deserved.
‘I heartily congratulate Dr. Solomon Arase on his appointment as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission. Dr Arase’s success story as one of Nigeria’s finest police officers is also our success story.
‘The success of the Okpekpe race will not be complete without mentioning Dr. Arase who laid the foundation for securing the race.’
‘He was with us especially for the 2016 edition and helped laid the foundation for the crime-free security we are enjoying today. It is our job as organisers of the race to ensure the safety of participants – athletes, officials and spectators but there is always a security threat anytime you gather a large number of people together.
‘The Nigeria Police has always ensured those connected to the race viz athletes, officiating officials, journalists as well as spectators feel safe and valued,’ said Itemuagbor who revealed Dr Arase will be specially honoured at this year’s race.
‘We are also grateful to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba who has ensured the Okpekpe event has continued to enjoy the best in terms of security.
The ninth edition of the race will hold on Saturday May 27 in Okpekpe, Edo state this time as a gold label event.
Okpekpe race is the first road running event in Nigeria to have its course measured by a World Athletics accredited course measurer and the first to get a label status, bronze, in 2015.
Label races are those World Athletics designates as one of the leading road races around the world.
