Sixty years after she won the Miss Nigeria crown, octogenarian Anna Ode is set to be honoured by her hometown, Uhonmora, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The recognition will take place during the fifth edition of the annual Owan Marathon Race, scheduled for January 3, 2026, according to the event organiser, Chris Ojo, who spoke to correspondents in Calabar on Sunday.
Ojo said Ode, who won the Miss Nigeria title in 1965 at the age of 22—the same year she was crowned Miss Midwestern—would also unveil the maiden edition of the Mr and Miss Owan contest during the ceremony.
He explained that the decision to honour Ode stemmed from the community’s desire to celebrate her lifetime achievements while she is still alive.
He described her as a compassionate woman who has continued to support the less privileged, particularly widows, within and beyond her community.
“We want to celebrate her and inspire others who may have similar ambitions. Anna Ode, née Eboweime, remains a household name among our people—even the younger generation recognises her impact,” Ojo said.
He added that this year’s edition of the marathon would be expanded into a full cultural and community festival aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the area.
Speaking further, Ojo noted that the prize money for the 10km race had been increased to reflect the current economic situation, and preparations were already underway to ensure a well-organised event.
“The marathon will attract athletes from across Nigeria and beyond, in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), to guarantee international standards,” he said.
According to him, several athletes discovered in previous editions have gone on to participate in major races, including the Lagos and Okpekpe marathons.
(NAN)