馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Former MMA star Ekufu launches Black African History Global Iconic Awards
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
Former Nigerian kickboxing and MMA star, Ambassador Lovethpatra Ekufu, has launched the Black African History Global Iconic Awards BAHGIA to celebrate African excellence, promote unity, and inspire young people. The awards, scheduled for July 5 at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, aim to recognize the often-unnoticed achievements of Black Africans and people of African descent globally across various fields, including sports, politics, business, education, arts, entertainment, and community development. Ekufu, president of BAHGIA, stated that the initiative seeks to honor excellence and bring deserving individuals to the forefront. Vice president of BAHGIA, Charles Ezerime, emphasized unity as a core objective, bringing people together regardless of religion, culture, or nationality, and noted Nigeria's strategic importance for hosting the event. Olisa Chukwuma, head strategist, highlighted Ekufu's sports background as a key inspiration for the awards, linking sports, entertainment, and youth development. Board member Francis Emeka added that the initiative also aims to encourage young people to value education and positive values, with a conference session addressing issues like insecurity and declining educational value among African youth. Pauline Christian, Canada-based President of the Martin Luther King Awards, praised Lagos as an ideal host city due to its cultural significance and role as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
MTN Nigeria has launched the 2026 edition of its Live it 100 Campus Tour, a nationwide program aimed at empowering students through learning, creativity, entertainment, and digital opportunities. The tour will visit seven tertiary institutions across Nigeria's South-West, North-West, South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions between June and November 2026. According to MTN Nigeria鈥檚 Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, the initiative provides platforms for young Nigerians to learn, create, connect, and thrive, supporting them beyond connectivity. The three-day activation at each institution will feature activities such as a Digital Game Village with video games, board games, silent party experiences, food, drinks, photo opportunities, SME showcases, product demonstrations, device displays, and SIM registration. A Content Creation Forum will teach aspiring creators to produce and monetize digital content, followed by a Cinema Experience. The final day will include a celebrity appearance, live performance, social media engagement, and a chance for a lucky student to win a new car.
The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, will host the finals of the 2026 President Federation Cup for both men's and women's competitions. The men's final on Saturday, July 11, will feature three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors against Ikorodu City. El-Kanemi Warriors secured their spot by defeating Wikki Tourists 3-1 in Katsina, with captain Zayyad Musa crediting home support for their win. Ikorodu City advanced after beating Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Benin City. In the women's competition, the quarter-finals continue this week, with matches including Sunshine Queens versus Confluence Queens, Rivers Angels against FC Robo Queens, Heartland Queens battling Ibom Angels, and Edo Queens facing Nasarawa Amazons.
African Taekwondo champion Harun Usman shared insights into his taekwondo journey, his achievement as Africa's best Poomsae athlete, and his Olympic dreams. Usman began taekwondo in school for fitness and self-defense, developing a deep passion for the sport. His parents supported his decision, providing a strong foundation for his pursuit. He described his happiest career moment as becoming African champion and receiving the MVP award at the African Taekwondo Championships in Mali, viewing it as a victory for Poomsae in Nigerian taekwondo and an inspiration for young athletes. Usman emphasized that winning gold for Nigeria means everything to him and he embraces the role model responsibility. He views his African champion title as a testament to sacrifice and dedication, raising his personal standards and responsibility to elevate Nigerian taekwondo. Competing at the African Championships, especially winning gold and MVP, is a significant honor for him. Usman dreams of competing at the Olympics and, if he qualifies, aims to become a world champion to create a pathway for young Nigerian Poomsae athletes. His biggest challenges are funding and sponsorship, though he is grateful for recent support from the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation. He hopes his recent accolades will attract further sponsorship for future demanding tournaments like the World Championships. Usman's ultimate goal is to be the best in the world and inspire the next generation,