ACTING Chairman, Independent Corrupt and Other Related Offences Offences Commission, ICPC, Barrister Ekpo Nta, has noted that this year's edition of the Splash FM / ICPC Integrity Race will go a long way in creating more awareness of the dangers of corruption.In his welcome address at the fourth edition of Splash FM/ICPC Integrity Marathon Race held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday, Barrister Nta represented by Olu Olamiti, the Commission's Resident Consultant, Media, observed that the impressive turn-out of athletes at the event was a boost for the race and its objective.''This year's edition, tagged ''Racing for Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability'' is apt as anti-corruption theme using sports to fight the menace,'' he said.''We believe that with over 2000 participants taking part in a 42-km marathon race in Ibadan, regarded as the political nerve centre of South West politics, surely some level of awareness would be created about the evil effects of corruption on the society as a whole,'' he explained.He added that both Splash FM and ICPC remain committed to deploying healthy individuals to run the marathon race to effectively drive home the point that the crusade against corruption is an enduring endeavour in fitness and emotion.Meanwhile, a mother of four, Genevieve Njoku from Bayelsa State again won the female category of the 2012 Splash Fm/ICPC integrity marathon race for the fourth consecutive time on Sunday.Njoku arrived the finish line at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium on the dot of 3 hours, 22 minutes and 5 seconds. She was followed by Aminat Olowora from Lagos, who finished at the time of 3 hours, 42 minutes and 29 seconds.Speaking with Tribunesports after receiving the cheque of N400,000 prize money presented to her by the organisers of the race, said, "I'm happy I win this race this year and winning it for the fourth time is something that is marvellous in my heart. I hope to feature in the next edition by the grace of God".Winner of the male category, Ismail Halis who finished the race at the time of 2 hours, 50 minutes and 17 seconds told Tribunesports that "My race is 5000 and 10,000 metres on track, this is my first time of running the 42-kilometre marathon and I give glory to God for the strength to win it".Halis however thanked the organisers and sponsors of the event, and said he will use the N600,000 prize money to assist his siblings in their education and spend part of the money to finance his training ahead of subsequent races as well as the next edition of Splash Fm/ICPC integrity marathon race.
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