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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)
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17 LGAs, MULTIPLE PROJECTS! COMMISSIONER GAR GIVES ACCOUNT OF GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT ACROSS PLATEAU STATE.
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…Inspected Projects Include Roads, Health Centres, Markets, Bridges, ICT Centres, Stadiums, Solar Streetlights and Rural Electrification
The Plateau State Government has expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructural development and people-oriented projects being executed across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, following a comprehensive statewide project inspection tour conducted by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, disclosed this on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a press briefing in Jos, where he presented the ministry’s findings from the inspection tour covering the three senatorial zones of Plateau State.
According to the Commissioner, the inspection exercise was undertaken to assess completed and ongoing projects initiated by the 17 Local Government Council Chairmen, ensure the judicious utilisation of public funds, verify the quality of projects and determine their alignment with the grassroots development agenda of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration.
Gar explained that the ministry, in line with its statutory responsibilities, is mandated to monitor, inspect, guide and provide technical assistance to local governments, particularly in matters relating to administration, finance and the delivery of essential services to communities.
The inspection tour featured the ministry’s management team, the Special Adviser to Governor Mutfwang on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jonathan Dabo, relevant ministry staff, members of the media and representatives of Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, the Commissioner commended the 17 Council Chairmen, stating that their performance demonstrated commitment to the vision of the present administration.
He noted that the projects inspected reflected the administration’s determination to take governance closer to the people through practical interventions that address the needs of communities at the grassroots.
“I am pleased to report that the 17 Council Chairmen have not disappointed the ‘Time Is Now’ administration. Providing dividends of democracy at the grassroots remains the top priority of this administration. From what we have seen, governance has truly been taken closer to the people,” Gar stated.
SOUTHERN ZONE: INFRASTRUCTURE, SECURITY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The inspection tour commenced in the Southern Senatorial Zone, where the team assessed several projects designed to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth development and security.
Among the projects inspected were the ongoing remodelling of youth centres, mini stadiums, Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, legislative chambers, solar-powered streetlight installations, primary healthcare centres, motorised boreholes and housing estates for legislators.
The team also inspected the Wase Rock Radio and Television Station, alongside facilities at the temporary headquarters of the 175 Infantry Motorcycle Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
The Commissioner described the council’s support for facilities connected to security operations as an important demonstration of the role local governments can play in strengthening peace and security within their communities.
CENTRAL ZONE: ROAD CONSTRUCTION, HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
In the Central Senatorial Zone, the inspection team visited Kanam, Kanke, Pankshin, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas to assess several ongoing and completed development projects.
One of the notable projects inspected was the 23-kilometre Gugur Road construction in Kanke Local Government Area, which is expected to improve connectivity and ease transportation for residents and communities along the route.
Other projects included the remodelled Dengi Multipurpose Hall, primary healthcare centres and the 1,500-capacity event hall in Mangu.
The team also inspected the 200-capacity Anatomy Laboratory at Plateau State University, Bokkos, reportedly funded by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
Other projects visited included the Palace of the Ngolong Ngas and transformers provided for rural electrification, highlighting interventions in traditional institutions, education and electricity infrastructure.
NORTHERN ZONE: BRIDGES, MARKETS, HEALTH CENTRES AND RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
The Northern Senatorial Zone was the final leg of the statewide inspection tour, covering Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.
In the zone, the team inspected and assessed several projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery, rural connectivity, commercial activities, security and administrative efficiency.
Notable projects included primary healthcare centres at Sabon Gari, Chinye-Miango, Garba Daho and Furaka, as well as rural electrification projects in Miango.
The inspection also covered council secretariat complexes, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and ultra-modern markets at Rishari-Rutara and Zarakon.
Other major infrastructure included bridges linking Farin Gada to Rusau and Vwang to Kogot, police station outposts, and town halls located in Kwang and Kuru.
According to the Commissioner, these projects reflect the efforts of local governments to respond to the developmental priorities of their respective communities.
GAR COMMENDS COUNCIL CHAIRMEN, REAFFIRMS GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
Reflecting on the overall outcome of the exercise, Gar maintained that the projects inspected across the 17 Local Government Areas were largely people-oriented and connected to the actual needs of the communities.
He stressed that the commitment of the Council Chairmen to the development vision of the state government was essential to achieving sustainable grassroots development.
The Commissioner further acknowledged the support and cooperation of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, expressing appreciation for the opportunity given to the ministry and local government councils to discharge their responsibilities without undue interference.
He also commended the Council Chairmen, traditional institutions, media organisations and Civil Society Organisations for their cooperation and participation throughout the inspection exercise.
The statewide tour represents an important monitoring initiative by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, particularly as the Plateau State Government continues to emphasise accountability, effective service delivery and inclusive development across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
With projects spanning road construction, healthcare, education, electricity, security, markets, youth development and community infrastructure, the inspection has provided an opportunity to assess how local government resources are being translated into tangible development at the grassroots.
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has told the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to stop threatening the country with fire and brimstone over the nullification of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, Sani urged the ADC to take its case to the Appeal Court, adding that the party brought the crisis on itself when it took over a troubled party instead of registering a new one.
"The ADC should get ready to appeal their case instead of threatening the country with brimstone and fire. This is the price they have to pay for taking over a troubled party instead of registering a new one,” Sani said.
Sani was reacting to the statement by the ADC after the Federal High Court in Abuja sacked the David Mark-led leadership of the party and voided Atiku's presidential ticket for 2027.
In its statement, the ADC had warned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, not to play with fire. The party said the judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu barely 24 hours after the massive turnout at the ADC presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, showed the desperation of the APC.
Sani said that kind of language will not save the ADC in court. He said threats will not change a judgment. Only an appeal will.
He said the coalition leaders knew the ADC had leadership problems before they adopted it. He said instead of going to INEC to register a fresh party with a clean constitution and clean leadership, they chose to hijack a party that already had factions and court cases.
"They saw the trouble in the ADC. They entered it with their eyes open. Now the trouble has caught up with them," Sani said.
Sani recalled that the coalition, made up of Atiku, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola and others, settled on the ADC as its platform rather than establishing a new political party.
He urged the ADC to stop dragging the country into its internal fight, stating that Nigeria is bigger than Atiku, Mark and any party's ambition.
Sani said the appeal is the right road. He said the courtroom, not threats, will decide if Atiku remains on the ballot for 2027.
2027: Stop threatening Nigeria, go to Appeal Court – Shehu Sani tells ADC
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