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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 Nigerian Army has apprehended two soldiers over alleged ammunition racketeering, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle during separate operations in Zamfara and Kaduna.
An operational report made available to journalists on Thursday said the soldiers were arrested by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma after allegedly attempting to transfer 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition to a suspected civilian buyer.
According to the report, one of the soldiers allegedly handed the ammunition to the other in the presence of the suspected buyer.
The report said the suspects, attached to the headquarters of Operation Fansan Yamma and 223 Battalion, were arrested at about 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday.
It added that troops recovered four mobile phones, two empty magazines, an ATM card, a motorcycle, a cutlass, keys, recharge cards and other items from the suspects.
According to the report, the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the 1 Brigade Provost Company for further investigation.
“Meanwhile, troops of 1 Division operating along the Abuja-Kaduna highway engaged suspected terrorists after detecting their movement with a long-range camera.
“The troops engaged the terrorists in bushes across the Abuja-Kaduna railway line, forcing them to withdraw.
“During a follow-up operation, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and other items.
“The recovered items included a military jungle hat, magazine carrier, civilian clothing, prayer mat and other sundry items,” it said.
The report also revealed that troops of Operation Delta Safe raided a suspected illegal bunkering dump at Otom Community Waterside, Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
It said the troops recovered 40 drums containing about 12,000 litres of suspected illegally refined automotive gas oil, estimated at N14 million.
According to the report, troops also recovered a drum of engine oil and two tanks, which were handled in line with extant regulations.
In Plateau, the army said troops responded to an attack on commuters at Dindiyes village, Mangu Local Government Area, forcing the suspected attackers to withdraw.
It added that troops subsequently recovered the corpse of a civilian around the area, while efforts continued to apprehend the perpetrators.
(NAN)
Nigeria’s Flamingos maintained their perfect run at the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup with a commanding 2–0 victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the perfect start when she struck in the fourth minute, putting the Flamingos in front at the Lycée Scientifique.
The early goal allowed Nigeria to settle into the contest as the Flamingos protected their advantage through the remainder of the first half.
Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a response after the restart, but Nigeria remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter.
The Flamingos eventually doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute, with Pattra Oparanmegwa finding the back of the net to put Nigeria firmly in control.
The victory extends Nigeria’s perfect record in the competition, with the Flamingos now having won all four of their matches.
Nigeria had earlier opened their campaign with a 5–0 victory over Niger Republic before defeating Ghana 4–2 and overcoming Burkina Faso 2–0.
Against Burkina Faso, Mary Dunstan broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Adegbuyi struck in stoppage time to seal the win.
The victory over Côte d’Ivoire therefore represents another impressive display from the Flamingos, who have continued to combine attacking quality with defensive discipline throughout the tournament.
The hosts entered Thursday’s encounter as Nigeria’s closest challengers in the standings, having collected six points from their opening three matches. Côte d’Ivoire had also demonstrated their attacking threat with a 9–0 victory over Niger Republic before facing the Flamingos.
Nigeria, however, maintained their superiority in the decisive encounter, with Adegbuyi’s early strike and Oparanmegwa’s second-half finish securing another three points.
The result takes the Flamingos to 12 points from four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup standings.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture of the competition against Guinea, as coach Hakeem Busari’s side look to complete the tournament with another victory.
The WAFU-B competition is also serving as valuable preparation for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where the Flamingos will compete against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland in Group B.
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