Sodiq Taiwo & Yemisi Olatunji Win Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship [2017]

Sodiq Taiwo, has won Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship after beating compatriot Olanrewaju Abulrahaman 3-2 in a closely contested final at Suburbs Squash Club. Yemisi Olatunji beat Zimbabwean Yvonne Mubure 3-0 in the women’s final. Olatunji was awarded $750.

In the men’s match that lasted 86 minutes, Taiwo won 15-13, 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7 to claim the first prize of $1,000, while Abulrahaman took home $500.

Zambian Manda Chilambwe took third place with a 3-0 victory over his countryman Frank Wabo. Chilambwe, a former winner of the tournament, returned to Zambia with $250 and Wabo $150.

Eleven-year-old Ryan Gwidzima, the country’s Under-13 champion, won the plate final 3-0 against 16-year-old Brighton Nyakabawo. Gwidzima pocketed $150 for his effort and Nyakabawo got $50.

Mike Burns and Neil Nesbitt reclaimed the doubles title with a 3-1 triumph over Matthew Mulaji and Janeel Giga. Burns and Nesbitt got $500, while Mulaji and Giga took home $300.

Freddy Chishimba was crowned veterans’ champion for the second year in a row with a 3-0 win over Zimbabwean Jeffrey Fenwick. Chishimba received $300 and $150 went to Fenwick.

Team Nigeria Wins 11 Medals At 2017 Regional African Gymnastics Championship

Team Nigeria has emerged victorious at the 2-day 2017 Regional African Gymnastics Championship with a total of 11 medals; 2 gold and 9 bronze.

The level 4-9 regional tournament was held in South Africa between August 4th and 5th [2017].

Lara Anot, (five years old) who is the youngest gymnast in the tournament won Nigeria first medal, a bronze with other gymnasts including Gabriella Asemota, Nfonmma Bassey and Elger Orese also among the medal winners.

According to the Technical Representative, Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Coach Anthony Asuquo:

“We finished the first phase of the level four and five today (Friday). Nigeria have gotten four bronze medals as at today, tomorrow Saturday is the high levels and Olympic level. That’s is where we want to send a signal to Africa that Nigeria is also a force to reckon with.

We have the only boy Uche Eke. He came all the way from the United States to represent Nigeria, he is in the Olympic level already. I’m optimistic he’ll bring his wealth of experience into play when the stage is set”.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Named Standard Chartered Independent Non-Executive Director [2017]

Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been named an independent non-executive director at Standard Chartered Plc in the United Kingdom.

According to a statement released by the company yesterday, her appointment is effective from November 1, 2017. She will earn £130,000 per annum for her expertise in financial and development financing.

José Viñals, Group Chairman, said:

“Ngozi is a globally recognised African and international figure. She has significant geopolitical, economic, risk and development experience and expertise at a national governmental level and in international organisations, which will provide significant insight and value to the Board. She also has deep knowledge of Africa as well as emerging and developing markets. I am delighted to welcome her to Standard Chartered.”