The governor, who completed the 10 kilometer race under the VIP section, was joined by Chief Mike Ozekhome, Chief Oseni Elamah, Nollywood artistes and other dignitaries.
In his speech after the race, Oshiomhole said he worked very hard to ensure he emerged winner of the race.
He said: “I worked hard but was not successful. To do 10 kilometers after the wedding assured me that I am capable and strong to what young people can do.”
Oshiomhole urged businessmen to key into his administration’s rural development by setting up cottage industries, hotels and amusement parks in Okpekpe community in Etsako East local government area to boost the economic potentials of the community.According to him: “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 informed that in this year we have more participants than the previous years and by logic we expect that more and more people will participate.”
“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.”
The Okpekpe road race marathon competition, which commenced in May 2013, has been dominantly won by athletics from Kenya, Ethiopia for male and female categories.
-The Nation