Six indigenous athletes from Okpekpe have earned a combined N8m in prize money from this year’s Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, in what organisers describe as proof that the event is delivering lasting benefits to its host community, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The prize money, credited directly into the athletes’ bank accounts last week, was presented under a special fund reserved exclusively for indigenous athletes from Okpekpe, and was introduced to ensure the community shares directly in the success of the race while inspiring young people to embrace athletics.
James Raphael and Jessica Matthew, who claimed the men’s and women’s titles respectively, each earned N1.5m. Innocent Odamah and Loveth Joseph, who finished second in the men’s and women’s categories, received N1.3m apiece, while Abuke Nathaniel and Bose Etsekumhe, who placed third, collected N1.2m each.
It was the first time all six athletes had earned more than N1m in prize money from athletics.
The community prize fund was sponsored by businessman and Chairman of Dan Oil, Idris Umar, and Nigeria’s Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, in partnership with race promoter, Mike Itemuagbor. Related News Fashola to grace 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup final Ajayi, Adeshina win Commonwealth Games bronze Ezechukwu eyes World U-20 glory
