Okpekpe Race Pays Nigerian Winners After 11th Edition

The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race organizers announced the payment of prize money to Nigerian winners of the 11th edition, a significant development in a country where athletes often face delayed payments. The prize money, sponsored by Peter Dunia, chief executive of Oceanwaves, was distributed after the race held in May.

Dunia presented dummy cheques to the winners immediately after the event, and the final payments were confirmed following the completion of international doping-control requirements. The prize amounts were three million naira for first place, two million naira for second, and one million naira for third in each gender category.

Race Director Zack Amodu acknowledged the improvement in Nigerian athletes' performances, noting that four runners broke 31 minutes in the race. He thanked Dunia and Oceanwaves for their sponsorship and called for more support for Nigerian athletes to enhance their international competitiveness.

The Okpekpe race is notable for being the first in West Africa to receive World Athletics label status.