NEWS
World Number 7: Eniola Mariam Bolaji as Poster Child for Governor AbdulRazaq’s Investment in Youths, Sports Development
By ‘Yinka Fafoluyi
Nigerians, particularly Kwarans, are elated with Eniola Mariam Bolaji’s stunning exploit at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2024 Level 1 tournament in Toledo, Spain. The Kwara-born Para-Badminton star defeated her opponent, the World number 6, Oksana Kozyna, from Ukraine 2-0 to clinch the gold medal in the women’s SL3 at the 2024 Spanish Championship.
Bolaji’s artful blitz, which earned her the gold medal after beating world’s fifth best badminton player Mandeep Kaur, has equally moved her from her previous position in the world of Para-Badminton to number 7. She has etched her name in history as the first Nigerian and African to win Spanish Para-Badminton International Championship 2024 and a gold medal.
Bolaji, who came into the limelight and had her debut less than five years ago under the Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration, has won several awards for Kwara State and Nigeria.
In 2021, she won a gold medal at the Spanish Para-Badminton. And in 2022, she exploited her enviable badminton skills to clinch two medals for the State of Harmony at the National Sports Festival. Unprecedented!
The para-badminton star won two gold medals for Kwara State at the National Badminton Championship in 2023, won a gold medal at 2023 All Africa Para Badminton Championship in Uganda, and clinched another gold at the 2023 Fazza Dubai Para Badminton Championship. As the year passes, Mariam has made it a habit to make Kwara State and Nigeria proud.
Discussing Bolaji’s stunning exploits in the badminton game is incomplete without the support she enjoys from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the years and his massive investment in sports development in Kwara State. Since 2019, he has continued to touch all aspects of sport in the state, including facilities and athletes.
Recall that in less than two years, Governor AbdulRazaq came on board, he embarked on the renovation of Kwara State Football Academy Hostel, complete renovation of the Basketball Court, renovation of Kwara State Stadium, renovation of the Twin Handball Court, renovation of the Twin Volleyball Court, construction of the Tennis Court, construction of Squash Court, among others. All these wouldn’t have been possible without a sport-loving administrator like His Excellency.
What about Governor AbdulRazaq’s sponsorship of athletes who gained admission to the United States to study? Returning the Kwara State Sports Festival meant to discover raw talents after 15 years of abandonment? Handsomely rewarding athletes and officials who represented Kwara at the National Sports Festival, Edo 2020? Releasing funds to the state’s sports association to participate in national and international championships? The list is endless! He brought Kwara United from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and continued to motivate them till they played in the CAF Confederation Cup. To keep their spirits high, the governor has not only been constantly attending to their subvention; he’s also increased it.
What about the achievements of his massive investment in sports? Nigeria No. 1 in squash (female), Nigeria No. 2 in squash (male), Africa No. 1 in Badminton, World No. 8 in Para-Badminton (female), and Current National champion of the Under – 16 (male and female) in squash, Current Africa Junior Female Champion in Badminton, Participated at the National Youth Games 2019 and won a total of 23 medals (3 Gold, 8 Silver, and 12 Bronze) and in 2021 and won a total of 32 medals (10 Gold, 10 Silver and 12 Bronze) to mention but a few.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s investment in youths is particularly outstanding. He’s elevated the youths in the state to become lawmakers and policymakers. Kwara students representing the country at the 2024 World School Debate, also known as the Odham Cup, is a testament to his investment in the youths.
Recently, Governor AbdulRazaq, who was worried about the sorry state of Olofa and Lafiagi Township stadiums, directed the state’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to commence work on the re-appraisal of the facilities for urgent attention. For a man whose investment in sports has been yielding fruits in recent times, there is no doubt that he will revamp the moribund stadiums.
While Eniola Mariam Bolaji receives applause for making Nigeria and Kwara proud at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2024 Level 1 tournament in Toledo, Spain, we should also give Governor AbdulRazaq his flowers for not only massively investing in sports development in the state but also supporting Kwara athletes including Eniola Mariam Bolaji.
‘Yinka Fafoluyi ANIPR is the Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Kwara State Governor.
NEWS
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Fiona Ahmed Ahimie Launches LEADHER Mentorship Session to Inspire the Next Generation of Female leaders
Lagos, Nigeria – June 2026 – As part of activities leading up to her investiture as the 14th President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the first female President in the Institute’s history, Dr. Fiona Ahmed Ahimie, Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, hosted the inaugural LeadHER Mentorship Session on Thursday, June 18, 2026.The session, themed “Leading with Purpose, Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy,” brought together emerging female professionals and aspiring leaders from across various industries for an engaging afternoon of mentorship, learning, and empowerment.The LeadHER Mentorship Session was designed to provide participants with practical insights into leadership, career advancement, personal development, and navigating challenges in the traditionally male-dominated sectors. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, attendees gained valuable perspectives on building successful careers while creating lasting impact within their organizations and communities.Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahimie noted that leadership is not merely about achieving personal success but about creating pathways for others to thrive.”Throughout my professional journey, I have benefited from the guidance, support, and encouragement of remarkable mentors. The LeadHER Mentorship Session is an opportunity to pay that forward by equipping and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue excellence, embrace leadership opportunities, and break barriers with confidence,” she said.The mentorship session forms part of a broader commitment to advancing female participation and leadership within Nigeria’s financial services industry and the wider corporate ecosystem. It also reflects Dr. Ahimie’s longstanding dedication to talent development, professional excellence, and inclusive leadership.The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, networking, and knowledge sharing.Dr. Ahimie’s investiture as President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers marks a historic milestone for the Institute and the Nigerian capital market, underscoring the growing role of women in shaping the future of the financial services industry.
NEWS
Insecurity: Governor Dauda Lawal Commends Troops for Recovering Ammunitions, Rustled Cattle
Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.”The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.”This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.”The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.”My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Payment of Allowance to NYSC Members Serving in Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government is pleased to announce that His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the payment of allowances/stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state. The approval reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of corps members who are contributing to the development of various sectors across Zamfara State.
The approval covers corps members from Batch A Stream I and II up to Batch C Stream I and II. Through this gesture, the government recognizes and appreciates the patriotism, dedication, and selfless service being rendered by the young graduates in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other areas critical to the growth and progress of the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal has directed the Office of the Accountant General to put in place all necessary arrangements to facilitate the implementation of the approval. The government is committed to ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly and in accordance with established procedures.
The Zamfara State Government remains grateful to the NYSC members for choosing to serve in the state and for their invaluable contributions to community development.
The administration will continue to prioritize initiatives aimed at supporting corps members and creating an enabling environment that will allow them to discharge their national responsibilities effectively.
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