Mr Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly (EDHA), on Tuesday pledged to support the annual Owan 10km Marathon race scheduled for Jan. 3, 2026.
Agbebaku made the pledge when the organisers of the race led by its convener, Mr Chris Ojo, who is also the President of the Global Bridge Initiative, paid him a courtesy call in Benin.
While commending the organisers for initiating the event, the Speaker noted 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 a 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,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Ojo said the marathon was initiated to discover and groom talents for global stardom.
He said the annual race, which was the 5th edition, was aimed at developing youths towards sports development and growth.
The organiser also disclosed a plan to sponsor athletes from Owan communities to Sports University in Afuze.
Ojo, however, said that such athletes would be top performers in the 10km annual race.
He, thereafter, presented the Speaker with a kit for the marathon event.
