Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta

Former African sprint champion and Olympian, Mary Onyali, has thrown her weight behind home-based athlete Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu as a strong medal contender for Nigeria at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Onyali made the call on Wednesday, urging the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to provide Ezechukwu with an opportunity to represent the country on the global stage.

Ezechukwu, who was among those invited to the national camp by AFN, rose to prominence after an outstanding performance at the last National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2025. She clinched gold in the girls’ 100m U-18 final at the third combined African U18/U20 Championships, clocking 11.88 seconds and leading a clean sweep for Team Nigeria. Rosemary Nwankwo, also from Anambra State and captain of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Team at the festival, finished second with 11.96 seconds while Miriam Jegede took bronze with 12.20 seconds.

Both Miracle Ezechukwu and Rosemary Nwankwo hail from Anambra State and share roots in Mbaukwu village—the same community that produced Onyali herself. The duo began their athletics careers together in 2019 as part of Team Anambra at that year’s National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, marking their entry into national sports.

Onyali noted that Ezechukwu’s steady progress is a testament to Nigeria’s grassroots sports development efforts. “Miracle has shown she can compete at top level if given proper support,” Onyali said while speaking about her expectations for Glasgow. The AFN has yet to announce its final squad selection but is expected to focus on homegrown talents who have excelled locally and internationally.

Ezechukwu currently represents N-Youth Sports Academy in Abuja and has been part of Team Nigeria’s international relay squads, including recent appearances at the World Relays in Botswana. With her current form and track record, stakeholders say she could be a key addition to Nigeria’s medal hopes when athletics events begin in Glasgow later this year.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/let-our-miracle-flow-in-glasgow-onyali/

Defence ministry says suspects were apprehended upon arrival in Abuja; authorities intensify efforts against terrorism

Seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been arrested by Nigerian security agencies upon their return from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The arrests took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday, according to the Minister of Defence.

The suspects were reportedly tracked and detained as soon as they landed in the Federal Capital Territory. Security operatives acted on intelligence that linked the individuals to high-profile terrorist activities in the North-East, leading to their immediate apprehension for further investigation.

This development comes as Nigeria continues to battle persistent insecurity in the North-East and Lake Chad Basin region, where both Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure. The arrest of alleged senior commanders is seen as a significant step in government’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Minister of Defence stated that the operation was part of enhanced intelligence-sharing among agencies to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping or using international travel for covert movements. He added that authorities are committed to holding all sponsors and operatives accountable under Nigerian law. No further details about the suspects’ identities or charges were released at the time of reporting.

Officials have assured that thorough investigations are underway and any person found complicit will face prosecution. The federal government has called for continued vigilance from citizens and pledged to sustain efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across affected regions.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/891007-updated-nigeria-arrests-seven-boko-haram-iswap-commanders-returning-from-hajj-minister-says.html

Interior designers in Lagos say small changes like fresh flowers, lighting and accessories can transform ageing bathrooms

Many homeowners in Lagos are turning to simple, affordable upgrades to refresh their bathrooms and create a more luxurious feel, interior experts have said. The trend comes as residents seek cost-effective ways to modernise spaces that often become dated within a few years due to fading tiles, dull wall colours and outdated fittings.

According to local designers, the bathroom remains one of the most-used rooms in any house but is frequently neglected during renovations. They recommend practical steps such as adding fresh flowers or plants, introducing brighter lighting, and updating wall paint to instantly uplift the atmosphere. “Even small touches like new towels or a decorative mirror can change the whole vibe,” said one professional based in Victoria Island.

Industry observers note that many Lagos residents are moving away from expensive overhauls towards quick fixes that do not require breaking tiles or major plumbing work. These changes not only improve aesthetics but also help maintain property value in a competitive real estate market. “A well-kept bathroom makes your home feel more inviting and can impress visitors,” said another designer familiar with high-rise apartments in Lekki.

While some landlords have increased rent for flats with modern bathrooms, experts advise tenants to discuss minor improvements with property managers before making changes. As more Nigerians embrace home improvement trends, industry professionals expect demand for easy bathroom makeovers to continue rising across Lagos and other urban centres.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/living-simple-ways-to-make-your-bathroom-look-more-luxurious/