Okpebholo Charges Edo People to Unite Through Sports During Olympic Day Run
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has called on residents to embrace sports as a unifying force as the state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 Olympic Day Run in Benin City.
Represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the governor said sports play a vital role in building social harmony, promoting health, and fostering a sense of community among citizens.
The event, held on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, drew hundreds of participants including students, athletes, community groups, and government officials.
Speaking at the flag-off, Okpebholo urged citizens to participate actively in sporting events, describing them as platforms for peace, wellness, and togetherness.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, who coordinated the event, said the Olympic Day Run was part of a global tradition aimed at promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
He noted that this year’s theme, in line with the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together,” was intended to inspire collective progress and national unity through participation.
The route of the run started from the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and passed through Stadium Road, Ekenwan Road, Ring Road, Plymouth Road, and Akenzua Road before returning to the stadium. Participants, dressed in commemorative T-shirts, moved through the city in a show of solidarity, greeted by cheers from onlookers and local residents.
Enabulele emphasized that the event was non-competitive and inclusive, stating that the aim was to involve everyone regardless of age or athletic ability. He said the Olympic Day Run is a reminder that the values of sport extend beyond the field, promoting peace and social connection across communities.
At the end of the run, participants were awarded medals and refreshments as the atmosphere remained festive. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the state government’s support for grassroots sports and called for sustained investments in facilities and youth engagement programs.
The 2025 Olympic Day Run in Edo reinforced the government’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for development, unity, and healthy living.
