Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Edet Dominates 100m, 200m as CHAMPS Grand Final Produces Thrills

    Edet Dominates 100m, 200m as CHAMPS Grand Final Produces Thrills

    Edet Dominates 100m, 200m as CHAMPS Grand Final Produces Thrills

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju.

     

    Fervent Edet emerged as one of the standout performers at the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final, clinching gold in both the boys’ junior 100m and 200m events, while setting his sights on breaking his own records before the end of the year.

     

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Edet said his ambition is to keep improving on his performances.

     

    “The record is good, but it can only get better. My focus is always on improving every time I compete,” he said.

     

    The young sprinter added that his success was a result of rigorous preparation and a determined mindset going into the competition.

     

    “I feel great winning these races. I replicated my performance from Jos. I came fully motivated and ready to win. I would rate myself five out of 10 for winning two out of three events,” he said.

     

    NAN reports that Bernice Onoriode delivered a remarkable performance in the U-17 girls’ 100m final, clocking a personal best of 11.88 seconds. She maintained consistency throughout the rounds, recording personal bests in all three stages of the race.

     

    Rebecca Enilolobo claimed silver with a time of 12.07 seconds, matching her personal best, while Rodia Ibrahim secured bronze in 12.16 seconds.

     

    In the youth boys’ 100m final, Edet stormed to victory in 11.10 seconds, having earlier recorded a lifetime best of 10.99 seconds in the heats. Maleeq Odesanya finished second in 11.20 seconds, while Boluwatife Alagbon placed third in 11.25 seconds.

     

    Edet completed a sprint double in the 200m, winning in 22.45 seconds. Christian Rotimi Alfred (23.05s) and Kareem Ayatullahi (23.26s) finished second and third respectively.

     

    Jesudemilade Ojo won the cadet boys’ 100m in 12.48 seconds, ahead of Opeyemi Faleye (12.87s) and Owoeye Oluwatomiwa (13.13s).

     

    In the cadet girls’ 100m, Chigozie Ndokwu took gold in 13.01 seconds, with Risikatt Kehinde Baruwa (13.23s) and Ikmot Adegbite (13.45s) finishing behind her.

     

    Chigozie Nwankwo claimed victory in the junior (U-20) women’s 200m, clocking 23.48 seconds to edge Faith Chukwuma, who recorded a personal best of 23.53 seconds, while Tejiri Ugoh came third in 23.67 seconds.

     

    Ghana’s Kazali Iddrisu won the men’s 200m title in 21.28 seconds, ahead of Liberty Okon (21.56s) and Abdul-Rahman Jimoh (21.74s).

     

    Sidiqut Baruwa triumphed in the cadet girls’ 400m with a time of 1:00.34, beating Helen Anisere (1:01.21) and Deborah Aderemi (1:03.02).

     

    Chisom Ezeh delivered a dominant performance in the youth girls’ 400m, running a personal best of 56.87 seconds to win, while Faith John (58.01s) and Bright Linus (58.65s) completed the podium.

     

    In the youth boys’ 400m, Afeez Lasisi clocked a lifetime best of 51.05 seconds to claim gold, narrowly ahead of Zikirullah Ibrahim (51.20s PB) and Abdulmuhiz Abefen (51.32s).

     

    Comfort James won the women’s 800m title in 2:05.58, holding off Benin Republic’s Odette Sawekoua (2:06.62), while Fatimah Adebayo took bronze in 2:11.13.

     

    Ayomide Olaitan secured victory in the men’s 800m, finishing in 1:52.63 ahead of Adegoke Ogunseye (1:54.44) and Temitope Karounwi (1:56.40). (NAN)

  • Top Athletes Dazzle at MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan.

    Top Athletes Dazzle at MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan.

    ‎Top Athletes Dazzle at MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan.

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    ‎By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
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    ‎The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final on Thursday delivered a series of thrilling performances, with multiple finals decided and medals won across track and field events at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
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    ‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the Senior Men’s 400m, Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo stormed to victory in 46.60 seconds. He finished ahead of Benin Republic’s Jules Waiga, who clocked 47.23 seconds, while Wisdom Alexander placed third in 47.51 seconds.
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    ‎Asuquo told NAN that his victory was a product of hard work and thorough preparation.
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    ‎“It was not an easy race, but I give God the glory. I worked hard for this win and I am happy to have achieved my goal,” he said.
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    ‎In the Senior Women’s 400m, his teammate, Miracle Donald, also impressed, posting a Personal Best of 54.07 seconds to clinch gold. Joy Ayomide (54.61s) and Adepoju Adedoyin (54.84s) finished second and third, respectively.
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    ‎The Junior Men’s 400m produced one of the closest races of the day, as David Udoh edged Ghana’s Kazali Iddrisu to retain the title for Nigeria.
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    ‎Udoh clocked a lifetime best of 46.62 seconds, narrowly beating Iddrisu’s 46.68 seconds, while Tosin Esan came third in 47.30 seconds.
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    ‎In the Junior Women’s 400m, Treasure Okereke claimed gold in 53.30 seconds, ahead of Becky Ebiyade (53.89s) and Faith Ezechukwu (54.04s).
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    ‎Attention also shifted to the 200m heats and semifinals. Ghana’s Marizuk Shaibu emerged as the fastest qualifier in the Senior Men’s category, posting 21.05 seconds, followed by Osama Chibueze (21.14s) and Enoch Adegoke (21.20s).
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    ‎Taofikat Sulaimon led the Senior Women’s semifinals with a time of 24.40 seconds, narrowly ahead of Purpose Akinpelu (24.43s) and Ofure Johnbull (24.78s).
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    ‎In the Junior Men’s 200m, Kazali Iddrisu returned to the track to post the fastest semifinal time of 21.30 seconds. He was followed by Liberty Okon (PB 21.51s) and Paul Otagba (PB 21.55s).
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    ‎Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo topped the Junior Women’s semifinals with 23.53 seconds, edging Tejiri Ugoh (23.58s) and Mariam Jegede (23.74s).
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    ‎In the field events, African bronze medallist Samuel Kure impressed in the men’s javelin, throwing 79.39m—just shy of his personal best—to secure victory ahead of Prosper Eguakun and Oluwatobiloba Bamidele.
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    ‎Meanwhile, Gowon Oghenerunor clinched gold in the Junior Men’s long jump with a leap of 7.22m, while Olaoluwa Akindunbi and Mekioniso Messiah settled for silver and bronze, respectively.
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  • Adedoja Felicitates Oloyede on CCII Honour.

    Adedoja Felicitates Oloyede on CCII Honour.

    Adedoja Felicitates Oloyede on CCII Honour.

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade.

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    ‎A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, has congratulated Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on his recent honour by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

     

    The award will be presented to him, tomorrow, Saturday April  18, 2026, during CCII cultural day at the Olubadan stadium Ibadan.

     

    The CCII Award is coming ahead of the nationwide UTME Examinations for over 600 blind candidates taking place on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21, April, 2026.

     

    ‎Adedoja, in a statement made available to journalists, described the award as a well-deserved recognition of Oloyede’s outstanding contributions to education, public service, and national development.

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    ‎The Balogun Agbaoye of Ibadanland, noted that Oloyede’s leadership at JAMB has brought about remarkable reforms, enhancing transparency, credibility, and efficiency in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission process.

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    ‎According to him, the honour of Ibadanland Distinguished National Service Award, bestowed by the CCII not only reflects Oloyede’s professional excellence but also his unwavering commitment to integrity and service to humanity.

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    ‎Adedoja further commended the CCII for recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, adding that such gestures serve as motivation for others to strive for excellence.

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    ‎He expressed confidence that Oloyede would continue to uphold the values of diligence, accountability, and patriotism in his service to the nation.

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    ‎The member of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, JEOG, wished the JAMB Registrar continued success in his endeavours and prayed for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

  • Oba Ajibola Advises Olubadan, High Chiefs to Steer Clear of Politics

    Oba Ajibola Advises Olubadan, High Chiefs to Steer Clear of Politics

    Oba Ajibola Advises Olubadan, High Chiefs to Steer Clear of Politics

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    By Adewale Owoade

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    The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, to steer clear of partisan politics in order to safeguard the dignity and neutrality of the traditional institution.

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    Oba Ajibola made the appeal during a press conference held at his residence in the Sanyo area of Ibadan, stressing those highly revered monarchs must remain non-partisan and rise above political interests.

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    He also advised the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, to limit his involvement in political activities and concentrate on his traditional responsibilities within the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy.

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    According to him, preserving the integrity of the traditional institution should be a collective responsibility.

     

    ‎“My advice to Baba Olubadan is offered with utmost respect. I hold him in high esteem and have no reservations about his person.

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    “However, I do not want anything that could bring the stool into disrepute. The Olubadan is a revered symbol of unity, and his office must not be drawn into partisan politics.

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    “He should tread cautiously and remain above political affiliations so that the institution continues to command respect and honour,” Ajibola said.

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    Oba Ajibola also said that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja  has no power to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde that it is a constitutional matter not traditional, said that it is all rumor, and even Oba Ladoja has never complained of gov Makinde to the Olubadan in Council

     

    The Balogun emphasised the need to protect the Ibadan traditional system from actions that could undermine its credibility, urging all stakeholders to uphold its long-standing values of neutrality, dignity, and unity.(NAN)

  • Oyo 2027: Senator Alli Unveils Governorship Bid, Pledges Party-Driven Governance.

    Oyo 2027: Senator Alli Unveils Governorship Bid, Pledges Party-Driven Governance.

    Oyo 2027: Senator Alli Unveils Governorship Bid, Pledges Party-Driven Governance.

     

    By Adewale Owoade.

     

    Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South) has declared his intention to contest the governorship seat of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections, pledging to run an inclusive, party-driven administration if elected.

     

    Alli made the declaration while addressing party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters, stating that governance under his leadership would be participatory, with members of the party and citizens actively involved in decision-making.

     

    He assured that his administration would prioritise youth development, agriculture, security, stable power supply, and quality healthcare, among other key sectors.

     

    “After wide consultations with our leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, I stand before you today to boldly declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections.

     

    “I remain committed to progressive ideals and dedicated to serving the people.

     

    “Let us rise together, work together, and choose hope over fear, progress over stagnation, and unity over division.

     

    “Our administration will be party-driven, and everyone will have a say in the day-to-day running of government. Together, we will build a state that others will emulate,” Alli said.

     

    Earlier, an APC chieftain and Chairman of the event planning committee, Chief Yemi Aderibigbe, described Alli as humble, accessible, and experienced in governance.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured goodwill messages from senators, members of the House of Representatives, party stakeholders, and other prominent personalities.

  • South-West U-19 Cricket: Ogun, Oyo Begin Campaigns on Winning Note

    South-West U-19 Cricket: Ogun, Oyo Begin Campaigns on Winning Note

    South-West U-19 Cricket: Ogun, Oyo Begin Campaigns on Winning Note

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    Ogun State defeated Osun State by 72 runs in the opening match of the 5th Bademosi South-West U-19 Cricket Tournament held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyo State also secured an emphatic victory, beating Ondo State by eight wickets.

     

    NAN further reports that all South-West states are participating in the tournament, which will conclude on April 18.

     

    Speaking after the match, Ogun State coach, Opeyemi Awoniyi, said his players gave their best despite facing tough opposition.

     

    “We tried our best, especially playing against the defending champions,” he said.

     

    “On our part, we do not have a very strong batting side, but we have learnt from this match and hope to perform better in our next game.

     

    “My team is relatively young, and I must admit I did not expect them to perform as well as they did.

     

    “They played well and I am impressed. I believe our next match against Ekiti will be better, even though they have more experienced players who have featured in previous editions of the competition,” Awoniyi added.

     

    NAN reports that the tournament is sponsored by former cricketer, Seye Fadahunsi, founder of Energy and Mineral Resources Ltd.

  • Sprint Drama at MTN CHAMPS as Adegoke, Ezeakor Clock Identical Times

    Sprint Drama at MTN CHAMPS as Adegoke, Ezeakor Clock Identical Times

     

    Sprint Drama at MTN CHAMPS as Adegoke, Ezeakor Clock Identical Times

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final delivered thrilling action in the 100m finals across both junior and senior categories, with several athletes recording Personal Bests (PBs) and Season’s Bests (SBs).

     

    In the senior men’s event, Tejiri Godwin set the pace in the heats with a blistering PB of 10.29s, while Chidera Ezeakor and Enoch Adegoke clocked 10.31s and 10.34s respectively.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final produced a dramatic finish, as Ezeakor and Adegoke both posted identical times of 10.15s to share the title. Chibueze Ezeakor followed closely in third place, recording a lifetime best of 10.35s.

     

    Speaking after the race, Tokyo 2020 Olympic men’s 100m finalist, Enoch Adegoke, expressed satisfaction with his performance.

    “I feel great winning this race. I’ve been working very hard ahead of the competition,” he said.

     

    “Towards the finish, my focus was not just on winning but on achieving a better time that would put me in a strong position. That was my main target.

     

    “What God cannot do does not exist. While putting in the effort, I also looked up to God.”

    In the women’s 100m final, Maria Omokwe delivered an outstanding performance, powering to a PB of 11.26s to claim the title. Her time equals the fastest mark recorded on Nigerian soil in 2026, jointly held with Miracle Ezechukwu.

    Omokwe had earlier improved her PB to 11.35s in the semi-finals before surpassing it in the final.

     

    Janet Sunday placed second with a PB of 11.66s, while Omoyeni Lydia Ajayi-Bibilomo finished third with a lifetime best of 11.69s.

     

    In the junior women’s category, Ejiro Peter claimed gold in 11.39s after setting a PB of 11.29s in the semi-finals. She was followed by Chigozie Nwankwo (11.48s) and Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo (11.57s).

     

    Abdulrahman Jimoh won the junior men’s 100m with a PB of 10.57s. Liberty Okon came second with a PB of 10.62s, while Team MTN’s Alvin Onyeama finished third in 10.66s.

     

    In the senior men’s 400m hurdles, Ndiponke Okure, Sodiq Adebisi and Olorunwa Olowu emerged as the top three finishers.

     

    Meanwhile, in the junior category, Oseiwe Salami dominated the race, clocking a lifetime best of 51.60s to win gold, ahead of Ibrahim Muhammed and Solomon Eloghosa Okundaye, who took silver and bronze respectively. (NAN)

  • Retired Officers Urge Tinubu to Approve Police Exit from Pension Scheme.

    Retired Officers Urge Tinubu to Approve Police Exit from Pension Scheme.

    Retired Officers Urge Tinubu to Approve Police Exit from Pension Scheme.

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade.
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    ‎Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force has staged a protest at the Oyo State Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, over what they described as poor pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme managed by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
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    ‎The protesters, mainly retired senior officers, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to assent to a bill already passed by the National Assembly, which would enable the police to withdraw from the scheme and establish a separate pension structure.
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    ‎They argued that the continued inclusion of police personnel in the contributory pension scheme was unjust, noting that other security agencies had been exempted.
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    ‎Speaking during the protest, a retired Superintendent of Police, Joseph Alabi, lamented the hardship faced by former officers, describing their monthly pensions as “meagre.”
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    ‎“For over two years now, we have been on this issue. Retired Nigerian police officers are suffering.
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    ‎“All we are asking is for the President to assent to the bill so that we can exit PENCOM and have a system that caters for both retirees and serving officers.
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    ‎“Air Force, Navy, military and other agencies have been removed from this scheme, but the police are still there. That is unfair,” he said.
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    ‎Another protester, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Omotayo Saludeen, who served for 35 years, decried the inadequacy of retirement benefits.
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    ‎“How can someone serve for 35 years and receive about N1.5 million or N2 million? We are not being paid well. We are suffering.
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    ‎“We are hungry and dying. Nigerians should help us appeal to the government,” she said.
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    ‎The Ibadan protest is part of a nationwide agitation, with similar demonstrations reported in Abuja and other parts of the country.
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    ‎The retirees vowed to continue their protests until their demands are addressed.
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  • Adegoke, Omokwe lead opening of MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan

    Adegoke, Omokwe lead opening of MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan

    ‎Adegoke, Omokwe lead opening of MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan
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    ‎By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
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    ‎It was an action-packed electrifying opening day of the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, with spotlight on qualification rounds in the 400m across all four age categories, alongside the men’s and women’s 100m events.
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    ‎The athletes delivered impressive performances across board, with MTN CHAMPS Ibadan Ambassador Enoch Adegoke leading the men’s 100m heats, posting the overall fastest time of 10.30s, a Season’s Best (SB).
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    ‎He was closely followed by Tejiri Godwin and Chidera Ezeakor, who both clocked an identical time of 10.32s.
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    ‎In the women’s 100m heats, Maria Thompson Omokwe set the pace with a time of 11.42s to emerge as the fastest overall qualifier.
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    ‎Reigning National Champion Chioma Nweke followed in 11.70s, while Lydia Ajayi Bibilomo placed third overall with a time of 11.81s.
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    ‎In the men’s 400m, Sisan Efejuku recorded the fastest time overall, stopping the clock at 47.70s. He narrowly edged Ezekiel Asuquo (47.71s), with Sikiru Adeyemi next in 47.93s in a tightly contested field.
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    ‎The women’s 400m qualifiers was led by Pemisire Adedoyin Adepoju, who ran a Personal Best (PB) of 54.28s. Udo Udot finished closely behind in 54.39s, while Comfort James also dipped into a PB of 54.87s to place third overall.
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    ‎Ghana’s Kazali Iddrisu topped the Junior men’s division with a time of 47.83s, finishing ahead of Muhammad Mumuni Abdul (48.10s) and Perfect Faye (48.14s).
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    ‎Treasure Okereke delivered a dominant performance in the Junior girls’ category, leading the field with 53.15s, Becky Ebiyade (53.85s) and Faustina Obi (54.33s) completed the top three.
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    ‎Lasisi Afeez led the Youth boys’ 400m with a lifetime best of 51.13s. He was followed by Team MVP’s Zikirullahi Ibrahim (51.91s) and Abdulmuhiz Abefe (52.31s).
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    ‎ In the Youth girls’ event, Team MVP’s Chisom Ezeh controlled proceedings with a winning time of 57.27s, Faith John finished second overall in 58.23s, while Team MTN’s Chizoba Onyemauwa followed in 58.39s.
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    ‎In the Cadet boys’ 400m, Miracle Ebube Odi posted the fastest overall time of 1:00.64, finishing ahead of David Odunsaya (1:02.44) and Joshua Mankinde (1:04.13).
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    ‎Sidiqut Taiwo Baruwa dominated the Cadet girls’ 400m, running 1:01.39 to finish well clear of Aderemi Deborah (1:04.29) and Treasure Omenonye (1:05.86) in the Field Events
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    ‎Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha won the women’s Discus Throw with a mark of 45.34m, ahead of Benin Republic’s Brigitte Tchede (42.88m) and Emurieze Esther (40.71m).
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    ‎Babatunde Smith claimed victory in the Youth boys’ High Jump with a new Personal Best of 1.93m, finishing ahead of Ehuwa Obanla (1.80m) and Rex Awode (1.70m).