News
66-year-old retired civil servant shines at Abuja marathon
A 66-year-old retired civil servant, Glad Ali Gashi, on Friday stole the show after successfully completing the 21-kilometre “Peace and Unity” Marathon Race in Abuja.
The marathon, which was the second edition, was organised by a non-governmental organisation, The Apo Progressive Foundation (APF) to celebrate the 2026 Democracy Day and foster national unity.
Mr Gashi, an indigene of Adamawa State, who retired from the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, finished in the 21st position out of numerous participants.
He said during an interview that his passion for long-distance running began in 1980 during his secondary school days.
He explained that his routine running became a staple for Abuja residents during his active service years, when he would run from Nyanya to Area 1 and back before getting ready to report to the office.
”People living at Old Karu and Nyanya got used to me. One person told me that anytime he happens to see me at the old CBN, he knows that he is early to work, but when he meets me at AYA, he knows that he is late because I used to maintain the same pace,” Mr Gashi stated.
Despite his advanced age, the sexagenarian boasted a clean bill of health, attributing his agility and physical strength to decades of consistent cardiovascular exercise.
He noted that he has never been diagnosed with any underlying illness, which gave him the confidence to contend with younger athletes in the rigorous 21km race.
”I have never been diagnosed with any sickness and that is why I participated in the 21km race.
“Although, I didn’t win, coming in the 21st position is an encouragement to me and my age-mates to imbibe the habit of exercising to keep fit,” he said.
Mr Gashi, who had represented the country in international veteran races in Kenya and Ethiopia, urged the government and aging citizens to prioritise athletics.
He stated: “My message to people like me is that this exercise prolongs one’s age, sharpens the brain, and keeps you smart.
“The federal government should try and encourage these athletic games for both the upcoming youth and the elderly ones.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of APF, Faleye Adebowale, said the marathon, with the theme, “Let’s Defeat Insecurity,” was designed to encourage citizens, artisans, businessmen, and youths to partner with security agencies through community solidarity.
”We dedicate this Peace and Unity Marathon to June 12. We see what we are battling with security challenges, and that is why we came together to pull this through. By defeating insecurity, we must start by having peace within ourselves,” Mr Adebowale said.
Similarly, the Secretary of APF, Victor Chollom, stated that meaningful physical and economic development could not occur in any community without relative peace.
”People cannot invest their money where there is fear, terrorism, or crisis. You need relative peace to execute the dividends of democracy for your people.
“Youths, who make up about 70 per cent of our national population, must be advocates for peace,” Mr Chollom noted.
In his remarks, Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Deputy Director of the City Boy Movement (FCT), Mukhtar Akoshile, urged Nigerian youths to embrace patriotism and choose dialogue over violent protests.
”Dialogue gives results; protest does not. When you sit down with leaders as young people, you can set your minds and contribute to the development of the country. Sports is one of the key things that unites everyone globally,” Mr Akoshile said.
Also speaking on community peace, the CEO of Brimax Construction, Ibrahim Zakari, urged residents to look past tribal and religious differences and discard divisive rumours.
There was presentation of cash prizes to the winners in both the male and female categories.
In the male category, Iliya Raymond clinched the first position with record time of one hour, five minutes, and six seconds, walking away with N350,000.
Rothak Sunday came second in one hour, five minutes, and 17 seconds, winning N250,000, while Boyi Gyang secured the third position in one hour, five minutes, and 26 seconds, receiving N150,000.
In the female category, Vivian Obadiah took the first position after running for one hour, 18 minutes, and 24 seconds.
Patience Datyop and Teyei Davou Mwantiyi, both from Plateau State, secured the second and third positions respectively, receiving the same cash rewards as their male counterparts.
(NAN)
The President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Most Rev. David O. C. Onuoha, has charged Christian women to confront the challenges facing Nigeria with courage, faith and determination.
Onuoha gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the 7th Biennial Convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (WOWICCN) in Jos, Plateau State.
The convention, which is holding from September 2 to 6, 2026, has the theme, “For We Are Well Able to Overcome,” drawn from Numbers 13:30.
The CCN President, who was represented at the event by Rev. Dr. Ephriam Simon Yakubu, described the theme as both inspirational and a prophetic call for Christian women to rise above the challenges confronting the nation.
According to him, the same spirit of courage and faith is required to confront the “giants” facing Nigerian families, churches, communities and the nation.
He identified insecurity and violence, economic hardship, gender injustice and spiritual compromise as some of the major challenges confronting Nigerian women and the wider society.
On insecurity, Onuoha noted that banditry, violence and abductions had affected communities across the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions.
He said women had often borne a significant part of the burden, having lost husbands, children, homes and livelihoods to violence.
He also highlighted the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living on women and children.
The CCN President called on government to prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, especially women and children who, he said, bear some of the heaviest consequences of economic hardship.
On gender injustice, he called for greater recognition of the role of women in the Church and society.
He stressed that women are gifted, called and equipped by God to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the Church and the nation.
Onuoha also warned against spiritual compromise within the Church, urging Christian women to remain committed to the Bible, prayer, purposeful fasting and genuine Christian discipleship.
He said women who would overcome the challenges of the present generation must be spiritually grounded and capable of building families and communities that can withstand difficult times.
The CCN President further challenged young women not to allow the size of the challenges around them to intimidate them or diminish their calling.
He urged women in the middle of their life journeys not to give up, while calling on older women to mentor and empower younger generations.
He said the experience of older women should be seen as a treasure that must be passed on to the next generation.
Onuoha urged the women to leave the convention with the declaration, “We are well able to overcome,” not merely as a slogan but as a statement of faith.
“The Women Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria has always been a wing of the overcoming,” he said, urging the women to remain steadfast and continue their service to God and society.
National Chairperson of WOWICCN, Prof. Ekwutosi Essien Offiong, said the women’s wing is an ecumenical body comprising about 16 denominations under the Christian Council of Nigeria.
She said the theme was a reminder that although Nigerians are confronted by numerous challenges, God remains greater than the problems facing the nation.
“Our key message to all of us women, fathers, children, everyone in Nigeria is that the obstacles are there,” she said.
“But we have a God who is bigger than those things. And through Him, we are well able to overcome all of those things.”
Addressing women in Plateau State, Offiong urged them not to lose faith despite the persistent challenges of insecurity, conflict and violence.
She assured them that God remains concerned about their circumstances and would see them through the difficult period.
The national chairperson also disclosed that WOWICCN donated relief materials, including food items and toiletries, to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by insecurity.
She expressed hope that the beneficiaries would eventually return to their communities and resume normal lives.
Plateau CCN Welcomes Delegates
The Plateau State Chairperson of CCN, Evangelist Dorcas Yusuf Lenkat, described the hosting of the convention as an opportunity to showcase a different narrative about Plateau State.
She said women from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had gathered in Jos for spiritual fellowship, unity and prayers for peace.
According to her, the convention would also strengthen the bond among the different denominations that make up the Christian Council of Nigeria.
Lenkat said the gathering provided an opportunity for participants to pray against the persistent crises, killings and other challenges affecting Plateau State and Nigeria.
The General Secretary of WOWICCN, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, said the convention theme represented a profound statement of faith in God’s promises.
He commended the women for their contributions to Christian unity, family values, moral development and community transformation.
He prayed that the convention would deepen the participants’ faith and equip them for greater service.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of CCN, Rt. Rev. Daniel Agbése, welcomed delegates to Jos.
He described the decision to host the convention in Plateau as a demonstration of faith, courage and unity despite negative narratives about the state.
Agbése said the presence of the women had turned Jos into a centre of prayer, praise and fellowship.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding women in recognition of their contributions to WOWICCN and ecumenical engagements.
Relief materials, including food items, clothes and toiletries, were also presented to internally displaced persons in Plateau State.
The convention continues with other activities and will conclude with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of two people allegedly involved in the assault of a medical officer at Gwarinpa General Hospital, Lifecamp, Abuja.
NARD made the demand in a statement issued on Friday, following the alleged assault of a senior medical officer while on call at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on 31 August.
According to the association, a patient physically attacked the doctor and his companion following a disagreement over his clinical assessment.
The alleged assailants also threatened the doctor and his family, NARD said.
The association described the incident as unacceptable, saying it posed a serious threat to the safety, dignity and welfare of healthcare workers providing essential services to the public.
48-hour service reduction
NARD said it supports the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT Administration (ARD-FCTA), resolution to embark on a 48-hour step-down of services at Gwarinpa General Hospital.
The action commenced at 8 a.m. on 3 September and is expected to end at 8 a.m. on 5 September.
The association said the action was in line with the North Central Caucus Guidelines for responding to assaults against its members.
NARD commended the leadership and Congress of ARD-FCTA for exercising “patience, restraint, and maturity” by giving relevant authorities a reasonable time to address the matter.
NARD demands action
The doctors’ association called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately apprehend, investigate, and prosecute the alleged assailants in accordance with the law.
“Any delay in taking decisive action risks creating a dangerous precedent and further exposing healthcare workers to violence,” the association said.
NARD also urged the FCT Hospitals Management Board and other relevant authorities to strengthen security across healthcare facilities, particularly Accident and Emergency Units.
It said improved security was necessary to protect healthcare workers, patients and hospital property.
The association expressed solidarity with the affected doctor and his family, assuring its members that it remained committed to protecting their safety, dignity and welfare.
ALSO READ: Assault on doctor triggers fresh strike at teaching hospital, months after EFCC controversy
“Violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable,” NARD said, stressing that doctors must be allowed to perform their duties in a safe and secure environment.
Recent case
The incident comes amid renewed concerns over violence against healthcare workers and its impact on hospital services.
On Wednesday, resident doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, began an indefinite strike following the alleged assault of a house officer by an elderly woman at the hospital.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, gave the hospital management and security agencies 48 hours to identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged assault.
The Uyo action followed another disruption at the same hospital in May, when doctors embarked on an indefinite strike after an operation by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the facility triggered controversy over alleged assault and the arrest of hospital workers.
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