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Rosemary Chukwuma Reflects on Progress After African Championships Success
Nigerian sprint star Rosemary Chukwuma has expressed her satisfaction with her continued development after claiming two individual silver medals at the African Championships, while maintaining her position as Africa’s fastest woman of the season in both the 100m and 200m events.
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Sports247 reports that Chukwuma has enjoyed an impressive campaign, recording season-best performances of 10.95 seconds in the 100m and 22.45 seconds in the 200m.
Those times currently stand as the fastest by any African woman this year, further highlighting her growing status among the continent’s elite sprinters.
Speaking after her medal-winning performances at the championships, the Nigerian reflected on her journey since turning professional two years ago and acknowledged the role her coach has played in her development.
“I am excited and happy. I won’t say I am disappointed. After turning professional two years ago, I need to thank my coach,” Chukwuma said.
The sprinter specifically credited renowned coach Dennis Shaver for helping her transition successfully into the professional ranks.
Since making the move from collegiate athletics, Chukwuma has continued to improve technically and physically, becoming one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers on the international stage.
Her performances at the African Championships demonstrated both consistency and competitiveness, earning her podium finishes against some of the continent’s top athletes.
While gold medals may have narrowly escaped her, the silver-medal haul and season-leading times underline the progress she has made.
Chukwuma’s achievements this season are particularly significant as she continues to build momentum ahead of future international competitions.
Her ability to consistently produce world-class times has placed her among the leading African contenders in the sprint events.
The former collegiate standout remains one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics prospects, and her latest performances suggest there is still room for further improvement.
With the guidance of Coach Shaver and increasing experience at the highest level, Chukwuma appears poised for even greater success in the coming years.
For now, the Nigerian sprinter can take pride in a season that has seen her remain Africa’s fastest woman over both sprint distances while adding two continental silver medals to her growing collection of achievements.
The All Progressives Congress has rejected claims that it withdrew its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list.
National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the claims as rumours and fake news.
Morka spoke with journalists on Tuesday morning.
“Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news,” he said.
“Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly.”
The party released the campaign council list on Saturday through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
President Bola Tinubu chairs the council. Vice President Kashim Shettima serves as Vice Chairman I. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda is Vice Chairman II.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari holds the position of Director-General. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is the Secretary.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni were named Deputy Directors-General.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was listed as Director of Fundraising. Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji was named his deputy.
Budget Office of the Federation Director-General Taminu Yakubu was appointed Campaign Treasurer.
Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu appeared as Director of Women Mobilisation. Former NSITF board chairperson Ngozi Olejeme was named South-South Zonal Director for Election Planning, Coordination and Mobilisation.
The list contains 108 members.
It immediately drew sharp reactions.
Critics questioned the inclusion of Edu and Olejeme. Both face separate EFCC investigations over financial allegations.
Edu was suspended from office in January 2024. The EFCC later opened an investigation into the matter. Olejeme is under probe over an alleged N1 billion money-laundering case.
The presence of serving public finance officials on a partisan campaign structure also attracted criticism. Some voices argued that mixing revenue management roles with campaign duties damages institutional neutrality.
Some party members raised concerns over the absence of key figures who played major roles in the 2023 campaign. These include Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Claims then circulated that President Tinubu had ordered a review of the list. Sources said the Presidency moved to address anomalies capable of embarrassing the campaign. The review, according to those claims, would focus on membership while leaving the top leadership positions of Chairman, Director-General and Secretary intact.
Other reports said Tinubu directed the Presidency, National Assembly leadership and the APC National Working Committee to reconstitute the council after concerns over exclusions and inclusions.
Those claims fuelled reports that the party had already withdrawn the original list.
Morka’s comments on Tuesday rejected those claims.
He made it clear that the party has not withdrawn the list. He added that any future adjustment would come through a formal announcement.
When asked about complaints from party members over omitted names, Morka said such concerns fall outside his remit.
The APC has not fixed a date for the formal inauguration of the council.
The original list released on Saturday remains the only version the party has made public.
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