Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Saturday once again demonstrated his enduring passion for sports and physical fitness as he successfully completed the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, finishing in 1 hour, 18 minutes and retaining his previous record in the prestigious race.
Shaibu ran alongside former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 57 seconds, slightly ahead of the NIS boss.
The VIP race experienced a delay due to technical reasons and eventually commenced at exactly 10:05 a.m., shortly after the elite athletes had begun their race at 9:00 a.m. Nigerian time.
For Shaibu, the race was another testament to his commitment to sports development and healthy living. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most active public office holders in sports, the former deputy governor had undergone just a week of preparations for the race. Remarkably, less than 24 hours before the competition, he had completed a 5-kilometre training run at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, underscoring his dedication and readiness.
Speaking with journalists at the finish line, Shaibu praised the consistency of the organizers of the Okpekpe Road Race, describing the event as one of Nigeria’s most successful international sporting competitions.
According to him, beyond the sporting excitement, the race continues to generate significant economic benefits for communities across Etsako land and Edo North Senatorial District, attracting visitors, athletes, officials and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
He also acknowledged the critical role of government support in sustaining the race over the years while commending the sponsors for their unwavering commitment to the growth of athletics in Nigeria.
Shaibu further appreciated the collaboration between the National Institute for Sports and the organizers, noting that NIS personnel played active roles throughout the event.
“Our medical team, researchers, media personnel and other staff members, including the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Institute, were fully involved and provided support throughout the race,” he said.
The 2026 edition once again attracted some of the world’s finest long-distance runners, with Ethiopia reaffirming its dominance in distance running.
In the elite men’s category, Mamo Lama of Ethiopia emerged victorious with a time of 29 minutes, 37 seconds, while fellow Ethiopian Aroge Getehn finished second in 29:39. Kenya’s Maxon Kyngetich secured third position with a time of 29:58.
The elite women’s category also witnessed strong performances from East African athletes. Silnat Pitwe of Ethiopia claimed first place in 34:18, narrowly ahead of compatriot Mahait Kasahiou, who finished in 34:19, while Friday Ndinda of Kenya placed third in 34:50.
In the Nigerian elite men’s category, Plateau State athletes dominated the podium. Raymond Ilya Gyang emerged first with a time of 30:29, followed by Boyi James in 30:40, while Sunday Rotshak finished third in 30:44.
The Nigerian women’s category was won by Patient Daylop, who clocked 36:42. Abuso Rose Thomas finished second in 36:51, while Vivian Nenyitwe secured third place with a time of 37:42.
Beyond the official prize money provided by the organizers, Chairman of Oceawave Group, Mr. Peter Dunia, announced additional cash rewards for the top Nigerian finishers. The first, second and third-place winners in both the men’s and women’s Nigerian categories received 3 million, 2 million and 1 million respectively, a gesture widely applauded by athletes and stakeholders.
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first World Athletics-certified road race in West Africa, has continued to grow in stature and remains a major platform for promoting athletics, tourism and economic activities in Edo State.
For Comrade Philip Shaibu, crossing the finish line once again was not merely about completing another race; it was a reaffirmation of his lifelong commitment to sports, fitness and the development of athletics in Nigeria. His performance alongside Senator Adams Oshiomhole added another memorable chapter to the history of the Okpekpe Road Race and highlighted the enduring connection between leadership and sportsmanship.
This was in a statement signed by
Ben Ogbemudia, A. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Sports.