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Obi In Rwanda Proffers Solutions To Food Insecurity and Youth Unemployment In Africa

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has said that adequate investment in agriculture is a sure way of tackling food insecurity in Africa.

Speaking as a panellist at an international Conference on food security in Kigali, Rwandan capital on Friday, Obi said the hunger crisis in Africa can only be tackled effectively by giving adequate attention to agriculture.

“Reducing reliance on food imports will help ease the strain on our currency, steady exchange rates, and rein in inflationary pressures driven by high food costs

Writing on his X handle on Friday from Rwanda, Obi said “Today, I was one of the panellists at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

“At the session, I reiterated my long-held position that food insecurity in Africa is intrinsically linked to human insecurity.

“Using Nigeria as an example, I emphasized that solving food insecurity is a major path to general security in the country. By investing in agriculture and food-related productivity Nigeria will not only be addressing the hunger crisis but will also create huge job opportunities for the teeming unemployed population, especially the youths in their productive age.

“To further elucidate the untapped potential in our food production, Bangladesh, with approximately 148,000 square kilometres less than 1/6th of Nigeria’s about 923,768 square kilometres, produces 35-40 million tons of rice annually. In contrast, Nigeria produces only 3-4 million tons of rice, which is roughly 10% of Bangladesh’s rice production

“This disparity which is similar to the African situation highlights the untapped potential of Africa’s agricultural sector and underscores the need for investment.

“Food insecurity, if addressed properly in Africa, can be a catalyst for enhancing human security and promoting overall development. With significant investments in agriculture and food systems, we can create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle hunger simultaneously. By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and value-chain improvements, we cannot only ensure food security but also empower communities and promote economic growth, leading to a more prosperous and secure Africa. We must prioritize food security to unlock the continent’s potential and address the pressing issues of human insecurity.”-PO

Rumbles As N52m FA Cup Largesse Threatens To Tear Abia Warriors FC Apart

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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John Obuh

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The peace and cohesion that pervaded the camp of the Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia and propelled them to a stellar performance in Football Association, FA, cup last season appear to be deserting them fast.

This is no thanks to the alleged lopsided and unjust sharing formula applied by the Chairman of the Abia state owned club, John Obuh, in dispensing the about N52 million FA cup largesse accruing to the team.

The Source reports that the Umuahia-based Nigeria Professional Football League outfit had finished as runners up  at the last edition of the FA cup competition.

The team lost 0-2 to El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri in the  final match of the 76th edition of the competition.

But their strong finish was enough to attract financial rewards from the Abia State Governor,  Dr Alex Otti, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen  Azubuike Ihejirika, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and Engr Chinedu Onyeizu, who shelled out N35 million, N10 miillion, N5 million and N2.5 million respectively to appreciate the team.

However, the sharing of the FA cup windfall has been creating a very deep sense of resentment and agitations both among the departed players and those still  on the nominal roll of the team.

Some of the players who volunteered comments have called on the Governor Otti to wade in and compel the Chairman of the team Obuh to give them their dues.

They are insisting that having worked assiduously for the strong finish of the club, they would not tolerate any attempt by anybody to shortchange them or deny them their entitlements.

“The total number of registered players of the team during the last football season was 37 with about seven officials.

“The total of amount that the team got as donation post- FA cup final was N52 million.

“If you want to share the money fairly, an average player should be getting no less than N650,000 .

“But the sad situation is that John Obuh gave some players N400,000. He gave some us that have left for other clubs only N100,000. Even, he did not give some players  anything at all.

“Some of us (those that have left the club) were also paid our July salaries, while some others were not paid their salaries.

“Yet, all of us worked for the team until the end of the season. The issue now is: why should the Chairman give N400 000 to the players that are still in the team, and give us that have left only N100,000 when we all worked for the glory?

“Why should the Chairman withhold our money? Obuh gave nothing to players like Anaemena Ifeanyi and Arinze Ogbonna and both players were also not paid the July salary that the club paid to other players who

left the Club after the FA cup final.

“The Club did not pay Uche Moses, Ogu Jerry ,Pascal Nwabueze, Udoh Godwin , Aliyu Goyi, Arum Kingsley, Chidera Olisaegbo, Francis Ignatius and Femi Thomas their July salaries also.

“Obi Samson, Omaka Fabian, Sageer Musa, Chidera Ugwunma, Ijeh Daniel and Kelechi Nnochiri were the only six players who received their July salaries and N 100,000 gift out of 18 players who have joined other teams,”  some of the players revealed.

They have, therefore, called on Governor Otti to intervene and direct  Chairman Obuh to pay them their dues .

They are accusing the Chairman of withholding their money despite the about N20 million being kept aside from the total donated amount.

“The amount John Obuh is keeping to himself belong to the team members and so, he should give us our dues.

“The painful aspect is that even our Media Official was given N150 ,000 which is far more than what we the players got. This is unacceptable”,  one of the agitating players stated.

Efforts to reach out to the team’s Spokesperson, Solomon Igwe, were unsuccessful as at the time of reporting.

However, the man at the  centre, Obuh,  insisted that no one has any reason to accuse him any wrong doing.

Education Minister Clarifies Ban On Under-18 Years Candidate From Taking WAEC, NECO

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Students in Classroom

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified its position on the ban placed on under-18 students from taking the West African School Certificate Examination and the National Examination Council.

The Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, SAN, has last week, said that under-18 students would no longer be allowed to sit for the Examination.

Strong criticisms had trailed the Minister’s  announcement.

Not a few people felt that the policy is a deliberate effort aimed at drawing back brilliant students. They felt that the negatives far outway any positive the Minister has in mind.

But on Friday, the   Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made a clarification during an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day, ILD.

He clarified that the Ministry has not stopped students who are under-18 years  from writing the West Africa Senior School Leaving Certificate exams. He put the blame on the members of the public who he said misinterpreted  what was said by the Minister. He described the misconception as disappointing.

He said that the Minister was  speaking on the 18 years of entry age into the tertiary institutions as was practiced in the 6:3:3:4 system of education.

Sunnu: “We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working.

“It was shocking to say that a University in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong.

“We are not saying that there are no exceptions. We know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few.

“There must be a rule, and the Ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child, so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances.

“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said.”

Sununu underscored the critical role of literacy in fostering mutual understanding, peace and socio-economic development.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy, challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).

He highlighted youth and adult literacy as key components, while emphasising the importance of using learners’ mother tongues as a medium of instruction.

“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” he added.

He also emphasised the need for well-trained educators who should be equipped to teach in local languages, as well as the development of follow-up reading materials in these languages.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Prof. Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to integrating multilingual education into schools’ literacy programmes.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity, it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” he said.

“Existing Law Gives Egbetokun More Years Of Service, Tinubu Never Granted Tenure Extension” – Force PRO

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police Force, (NPF) has clarified that existing law backed the additional fours years approved for the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

The force, while shedding more light on the issue pointed out that Egbetokun’s tenure was not extended but the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the IGP was applied.

Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that “what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, approved for the IGP is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP.

“Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IGP shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Police Council.”

This letter, according to Adejobi was dated 3rd November 2023, clearly stated that the President had approved a four-year tenure for the IGP in accordance with the provisions of Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“It is important to emphasize that the IGP does not need to lobby for any tenure extension as his appointment letter explicitly grants him a four-year tenure from the date of his appointment.

“The ongoing circulation of false information is clearly the handiwork of pessimists and mischief makers who are determined to spread baseless narratives against the office and the personality of the IGP for obvious reasons and pecuniary gains.

“Furthermore, the IGP has since been issued with another letter in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which supersedes the earlier correspondence. This clarification is necessary to put an end to the speculations and falsehoods being spread.

“The NPF therefore urged  public to disregard the unfounded reports and to trust that the tenure of the IGP is in full compliance with the laws governing the Nigeria Police Force.

“In clear terms, IGP’s tenure of office is not subject to unnecessary debate and should not be a source of perennial distraction to policing system in Nigeria. The law is sacrosanct.”

Tension As Abia Fails To Meet Its August  N17B Salary Arrears Payment Dateline,  ABSUTH-NARD Kicks

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Dr Nnamdi Erondu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Association of Resident Doctors NARD, Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH, Aba ,has expressed surprise at the  failure of the Abia State Government to begin the payment of their 23 months salary arrears as earlier agreed.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Source on Friday September 6, 2024, President of the ABSUTH-NARD ,Dr Nnamdi Erondu, however, ruled out for now, the chances of any industrial action, as he is of the strong conviction that the State Governor Dr Alex Otti, will  keep to his words .

The Source reports that Governor Otti, in the wake of strong agitations for the payments of the huge salary arrears being owed most MDAs and tertiary educational institutions,  promised to commence instalmental payments latest August ending.

Addressing the Management of the Abia State University, Uturu, ABSU, whose staff are among those being owed about 13 months, late July at the Government House, Governor Otti, assured that his administration will commence the payments in August and complete it over a period of 12 months.

He stated that a total sum of N1.5 billion has been earmarked every month, until the backlog is cleared. Besides ABSU with 13 months arrears, ABSUTH is being owed 22 months, Abia Polytechnic 33 months and College of Education Arochukwu 29 months .

Others being owed as much  include ASUBEB,  eight months, Hospital Management Board, HMB, seven months, and School of Health Technology Aba, about 18 months.

The Abia State Governor cited the need not to stifle activities in other sectors of the State’s economy as reason for  the instalmental payments of the  about N 17 billion salary arrears  it inherited from previous administrations in the State.

The ABSUTH-NARD said it is surprised that August has passed, and no communication has been made concerning the Governor’s promise of August ending.

“We are worried because all over, it is taken for granted when a Governor and those in high and sensitive Governmental offices make pronouncements.

“So when our Governor made the final promise to commence instalmental payments of the salary arrears by August ending, we had no reasons to doubt it .

“In fact, that promise was taken for what it should be – a bank guaranteed statement. But we don’t know what is delaying the whole thing now.

“Our enquiries have not revealed much save that we are hearing that the modalities for the payments are being re-worked .

“But our expectation is that if there are reasons why the Government can not meet its promised dateline, it should be able  to communicate appropriately so as to douse tensions and apprehensions.

“Keeping mute after the end of the timeline it had earlier set for the commencement of the payments is not the best option.

“It is rather heating the system, and brewing unnecessary speculations and resultant anxiety and tension” Dr Erondu stated .

The President of the ABSUTH, Resident Doctors, however, expressed the optimism that the Government will be able to sort out the issue in a  mutually beneficial way to all parties without disrupting the system which he said has  suffered much dislocation in the last few years.

OPINION: The Journey to Yenagoa, After 19 Years

By
The Source
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Azu Ishiekwene
Mr Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

When I was invited to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in June, I didn’t know what to expect. I had not visited the place since 2005. Even though I had been to nearby Rivers and Delta States several times, Bayelsa didn’t cross my mind.

To make matters worse, the state was often in the news for the wrong reasons. Not that it was an exception, but press headlines seemed to suggest that if you wanted the most depressing news about intra-party wrangling, post-election disputes, or the scariest stuff about kidnapping and youth militancy, Bayelsa was the place to go.

Bayelsa, the home of Nigeria’s first president from the south-south and one of the jewels of Nigeria’s oil reserve, also appeared to be one of its most volatile spots.

I didn’t plan to go there. And as if to validate my lethargy, days before this visit, there was something in the news that Bayelsa was the leading state in the prevalence of monkeypox. I kept the news to myself to save my family from panic. It was now looking like a suicide mission.

To go or not?

Yet, if Yenagoa was Nigeria’s chaos capital, it didn’t show in the voice of Esueme Dan-Kikile, the general manager corporate affairs of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), who never once wavered in his commitment to me to read my book there.

When anxiety and prejudice nearly prevailed, I yielded to Dan-Kikile’s reassuring calmness and my nagging curiosity for adventure.

After 19 years of mental pictures, mostly from unflattering news reports, I decided to face the demon. By a quirk of fate, I used the longer route – Warri to Yenagoa. What a trip this second missionary journey turned out to be!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, one travel mile is worth two thousand. Words sometimes fail to describe the joys and excitement of new faces, places, sounds, and smells of travel.

Jonathan was “king”

The last time I visited, former President Goodluck Jonathan was governor. The state was nine years old, and there was only one road in and out of the capital.

Bayelsa, located in southern Nigeria, edges the Atlantic Ocean. It was the hotbed of militancy by youths who, sometimes at the behest of politicians, took hostages for ransom and blew up oil and gas pipelines as bargaining chips. Its people are mostly fishermen and farmers whose environment and toils have been ruined for decades by oil spills and the ravages of gas flaring.

This visit felt different from when I landed at the airport in Warri, Delta State, for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to Yenagoa.

The East-West Road

After over N350 billion and 18 years, the construction of the East-West Road, highway to the six states in the Niger Delta region and gateway to the East is still on. They say it would take nearly three times that amount, and God knows how long to finish.

This was what Senate President Godswill Akpabio said four years ago when he was Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs – that the road, which NDDC was handling under his supervision, would cost about N1 trillion naira to complete.

Large portions of it were still impassable as of last week. Where you could drive freely for a mile or two, you had to look out for barricades and sand-filled drums at makeshift checkpoints where the security men and local youths appear to have agreed on a joint approach and a standard extortion formula.

“Tollgate ahead, off the mic!”

If this sounds confusing, you haven’t heard the more confusing part. Extortion doesn’t only happen on the highway. Four years ago, just before Akpabio said the East-West Road might cost N1 trillion to finish, a “tollgate” was mounted for him inside Nigeria’s parliament in Abuja.

A joint session of Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives was conducting an audit of the NDDC, and the Commission had not completed the East-West Road after many years and billions of naira spent. As Akpabio proceeded to open the can of worms after hinting that the contracts for the road were awarded to companies belonging to his interlocutors, the committee chairman and current Minister of Interior OlubunmiTunji-Ojo interjected: “Off your mic! Honourable Minister, it’s OK, off the mic!”

That interjection became the national joke for killing any potentially embarrassing thing that should be said. Talking too much is against the convention at any tollgate – whether in Abuja or on the East-West Road. Off the mic, pay the toll, and move.

Akpabio, an accomplished toll collector, should have known the tradition. According to a NEITI report in 2013, the NDDC received about N400 billion between 2007 and 2011, which is almost one-quarter of its 20-year existence. If the Commission were a state with a revenue of N168 billion in 2011, for example, it would be the sixth highest earning in the country, displaced only by Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.

Yet, as the car taking me to Yenagoa drove by, the most prevalent evidence that the Commission is working on the East-West Road is the enormous square slabs, each engraved with its name erected shamelessly within every two kilometres or so. It would be a surprise if this work is finished in another 18 years, even if Nigeria robbed a Chinese bank for N1 trillion.

Waterfront and petrol queues

After nearly three hours of driving, we finally arrived in Yenagoa, turning off at the Yenagoa-Mbiama part of the East-West Road at Igbogini Junction onto Glory Drive. The driver said the new road was constructed last year. The one-road state capital had a new access road, which I later learned was the third.

In Yenagoa, the makeshift food shops on wooden stilts at the waterfront at the end of Alamieyeseigha Road, just a stone’s throw from the imposing Content Board Tower, were great. The food, smell, neon lights, music, and the energy of the solicitous food vendors courting mostly young customers were hard to resist.

The place reminded me of Tampa Bay in Florida – if, for a moment, from behind any of the wooden shacks, you looked far beyond the large waterweeds and abandoned wooden canoes at the shore to the Ocean just at the horizon.

On our way to the venue of the book reading at Golden Tulip the next day, we saw long queues of vehicles snaking for miles from a nearby NNPC filling station where drivers were waiting to buy petrol.

It’s heartbreaking that residents in this state, home of Oloibiri, where crude oil was first discovered in Nigeria and home to the country’s fourth highest concentration of oil wells, must go through this to buy petrol. My driver said drivers unable to buy petrol the same day would leave their vehicles at the station and return the next day. They are used to it. I shook my head.

Read the book!

The book reading was electrifying. It was attended by a fine collection of students from four universities in the state with their teachers. Accomplished writers and professionals from other walks of life were present, too. The audience’s enthusiasm and determination to seize the moment for their own good were remarkable.

Dan-Kikile spoke from the heart about NCDMB’s passion for upskilling capacity at institutional and individual levels; the moderator, Dr. DoubraTimi-Wood of Channels TV, made the reading a shared moment of intimacy, and the audience loved it.

The cure for my lethargy was facing my fears. I’m glad I did.

Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book Writing for Media and Monetising It.

Alleged Circulation Of Videos On Sokoto Governor’s Wife: Court Remands Tambuwal’s Aide

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Shafiu Umar Tureta

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Sokoto State Chief  Magistrate Court on  Friday, September 6, 2024 remanded Shafiu Umar Tureta, detained aide to Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu  Tambuwal in  Correctional custody until the next adjourned date of his trial.

Tambuwal is, also, the immediate past Governor of the State.

The Source reports that Tureta,  alongside others, earlier arrested and detained by the Sokoto State Police authorities for alleged circulation of false documentary and defamatory materials on the Governor of the State and his wife.

He was alleged to have  been behind the circulation of a video clip depicting Governor Ahmed Aliyu, struggling to address his audience in English Language at a recent public function.

In another case, he  and other Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwarts were accused of being the purveyors of another video clip showing guests spraying currencies of different hues on the wife of the State Governor at her  birthday party.

But in a statement issued by its  spokesperson in Sokoto ,Hassan Sahabi Sannyinawal ,the PDP told Governor Aliyu to leave the party’s followers out of his self inflicted frustrations, and rather embark on self interrogation.

“We, first of all, wish to draw the attention of the Governor to the fact that the visuals in question must have been recorded by camera men attached to his office or his family and initially leaked to the public by the same people..

“It is, therefore, the Governor’s task or that of his aides to ensure that such materials do not get to the public arena.

“Our party supporters and Media personnel are not responsible for the Governor’s personal and administrative deficits and shortcomings.

“We advise, therefore, that he should endeavour to deal with his failures in constructive and proactive ways, instead of visiting his frustrations for his shortcomings on innocent citizens” the PDP stated.

Governor Aliyu is of the All Progressive Congress APC.

Umar, has been slammed with charges bordering on the circulation of injurious falsehood and engraving matter known to be defamatory .

At the resumed hearing on Friday, His Worship, Fati Hassan, while ruling on an oral application for bail filed by the defence counsel, said the only document before  her in the matter is the First Information Report FIR

The presiding Magistrate insisted that a formal application for bail must be filed going by the nature of the case.

While adjourning the case to September 18, 2024, she ordered that the  defendant be remanded in prison custody.

The case was first mentioned on August 26, 2024, during which the prosecution Counsel, Abdulrahman Mansur, said  the defendant circulated a video of the Governor’s wife, Hajia Fatima Aliyu, spraying money during her birthday ceremony amidst the economic challenges being faced by a larger part of the citizenry.

Part of the FIR also accused Umar of circulating another video on the Governor Aliyu and his poor WAEC result and management of spoken English.

High Cost Of Fuel: “Work From Home”, Governor Oyebanji Tells Ekiti Workers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

To cushion the biting effect of high cost of fuel, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved a work-from-home arrangement for civil servants in the State.

The arrangement is aimed to further cushion  the effect of the current economic situation on workers in the State.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, under the new arrangement, officers on level 01- 07 will work from home three days a week.

“Also, officers on level 08- 12 are to work from home two days in a week, while officers on level 13- 17 will work from home once in a week.

“The new arrangement, which commences on Monday, September, 9, excludes essential workers like teachers, core health workers in hospitals and security personnel among others.”

The Governor’s directive,  further explained that each MDA is expected to produce workable schedule for staff in order to ensure that the new work- from- home arrangement does not jeopardize effective service delivery.

“The arrangement will be in place for a period of two months and is subject to periodic review in line with prevailing circumstances.

“Also, the arrangement does not affect other palliative measures put in place by the state government including the monthly wage award for workers and pensioners; and the free bus service for workers and students.

“The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration is committed to workers’ welfare and will continue to put in place necessary measures to enhance their productivity.”

Yoruba Elders To President Tinubu: “Urgently Address Hunger, Palliatives Not Enough”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has joined the clarion call on President Bola Tinubu to address the hunger in the land with the elders expressing concern about the nation’s current state.

YCE urged President Tinubu to address the widespread hardship facing Nigerians.

In a statement issued by General Secretary Oladipo Oyewole, the YCE acknowledged hope for a positive change but emphasized the significant suffering currently affecting the country.

The statement reads: “The YCE remains hopeful that Nigeria will have a turnaround.

“However, going by scanty information available on Government pursuits and activities, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the

“Be that as it may, we of YCE stand on our strong position that the interest of the masses to live a good life should be given full attention.

“Without regular supply of electricity and with the official announcement of an increase in the price of Petroleum Products (PMS), the current hardship cannot but be increased in daily living by Nigerians

“The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people, the dividends of democracy.

“Not through the distribution of palliatives (that does not seem to filter to the bottom) but by putting in place avenues to enhance proper/quality living through effective governance administration

“Indeed, Nigerians are suffering deeply at this time, no light, no fuel, no food.

“Mr President should, without delay, revisit his drawing board to attend to the short-term needs of Nigerians, the immediate needs of the people,  whilst pursuing the long-term vision of making Nigeria a better place for growth and development.

“As Elders, YCE wants immediate succour for the people to boost the welfare of Nigerians so that all can live in comfort.

“As far as this Elders Council is concerned a lot of administrative work by government is absolutely required for the masses of this country to live, stay alive as respectable and responsible people.

The state of this nation today is a pill that has a bitter taste.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu should do something quickly to ensure proper steering of its intentions to establish and install better governance in Nigeria.

“Infact, the Presidency should do all possible to alleviate the suffering of all Nigerians immediately and without delay.”

2024 Paris Paralympic Games: Onyinyechi Mark Gives Nigeria  Gold Medal

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Onyinyechi Mark

By Akinwale Kasali

Team Nigeria has won its first Gold Medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Gold was won by Onyinyechi Mark, who also made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She broke the record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category, with a lift of 147kg.

Her performance surpassed the previous record held by fellow Nigerian, Lucy Ejike.

With one lift remaining, Onyinyechi Mark has all but guaranteed Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games.

Her closest rival is attempting 138kg on her final lift, while Mark aims to extend her record with a final attempt of 147kg, further cementing her dominance in the sport.

Team Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in Paralympic powerlifting and athletics.

At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, the country secured an impressive 10 medals, including four golds.

Athletes such as Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have set global benchmarks, with Ejike herself holding multiple world records and gold medals in powerlifting.

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