The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku has pledged support for the annual Owan 10km Marathon race scheduled for January 3, 2026.
The speaker made the pledge when the organizers of the race led by its founder, Mr Chris Ojo of Global Bridge Initiative, paid him a courtesy call in Benin on Tuesday.
While commending the organizers for initiative, the annual event, the speakers noted that it was time the event was supported by well-meaning Nigerians, especially those from the state extraction for its multiplier effect.
According to Agbebaku, the initiative will help reduce vices in youths and help channel their energy towards sports development.
“There is need for all to be involved in the activities of youths in society to help channel their energy away from social vices inimical to their growth and development.
“My plan is to ensure the Owan Marathon initiative is turned into a statewide event where athletes who will represent the state in competitions can be picked,” je declared.
Earlier, the Convener and President Global Bridge Initiative, Mr Chris Ojo, noted that the marathon was initiated to discover and groom talents for global stardom.
He also added that the anjual race which entered its 5th edition, is aimed at developing youths towards sports development and growth.
Ojo also intimated the Speaker of the pet project Village Register, a project which pilot is for Owan to register all in the area to have adequate number of residents in a particular area.
The convener of Owan Marathon thereafter presented Mr Speaker’s kit for the Marathon event.
It would be recalled that the The organiser of the 10km annual Owan marathon had disclosed future plan to sponsor athletes from Owan communities to Sports University in Afuze.
The organisers said that the athletes to be affected would be participants at the annual event when the institution finally commences academy activities.
Ojo, however, said that the affected athletes would be top performance in the 10km annual race.
Meanwhile, other events are being planned for the 5th edition of Owan marathon as part of effort to showcase the rich culture of the people.
Prize money have also been increased for the 5th edition of the annual marathon race scheduled for January 3, 2026.
According to organizers, “the 2026 edition will not only increase prize money in response to current economic realities, but will also expand into a cultural and community festival.
“Highlights include the Mr & Miss Owan Contest, (the Owan Cultural Ambassador Contest), and a free medical outreach to provide vital healthcare services to residents.
“The essence of the festival and medical outreach is to showcase the cultural and athletic strength of Owan while giving back through community health initiatives.”
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