Author: user user

Federal Polytechnic, Ayede ranks seventh nationally

Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State has been ranked seventh among Nigeria’s top 10 tertiary institutions, just four years after its establishment.

The ranking, conducted by an international research and evaluation body, Pole Global Marketing (PGM), assessed more than 180 universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

The polytechnic was recognised for its good performance in academic innovation, digital learning and management efficiency, making it one of the youngest institutions to break into the national top 10.

According to the ranking, the top 10 institutions include Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; University of Lagos, Akoka; Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; Yobe State University, Damaturu; Federal Polytechnic, Ayede; Federal University, Otuoke; Yaba College of Technology, Yaba; and Federal University, Gashua.

PGM said the ranking was based on key performance indicators such as academic excellence, innovation, institutional management and community impact, with focus on how schools integrated technology, research and capacity development to improve learning outcome.

The report highlighted Federal Polytechnic, Ayede’s outstanding achievements in digital learning adoption, course engagement and resource management as major factors behind its impressive placement.

Reacting to the news, the Governing Council Chairman of the polytechnic, Yakubu Dati, described the recognition as a ‘well-deserved honour.’

Hailing the management for its pursuit of excellence and innovation, he said: ‘This is a remarkable achievement for such a young institution. The Rector, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has demonstrated exceptional leadership through his commitment to quality education and strategic partnerships that continue to position the polytechnic for greatness,’ Dati said.

He urged the management and workers to sustain the momentum and build on their achievements, to attain global competitiveness.

Dr. Abdul-Hameed attributed the success to the dedication of the workers, students and stakeholders.

He described the ranking as a motivation to achieve even greater milestones, reaffirming the polytechnic’s commitment to advancing innovation, renewable energy, entrepreneurship and STEM education, to produce skilled graduates capable of driving national development.

Swimming: Uganda confident of Zone III title defence

Uganda has assembled a team of 43 swimmers to defend the Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships title at the 10th edition due this week at Kasarani Aquatic Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Namanya Ampaire, headed for his 8th Zone III competition since its inception in 2015, and Peyton Suubi – going for her 5th time, have been appointed captains to lead the age group team that will be coached by Thomas Tamale with support from Kezia Wairimu and Simon Peter Mulumba.

“I believe this team is strong because we again have the best two swimmers per event, no compromises,” Ampaire Namanya said during their flag off on Sunday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where the team has been training on various weekends to find long course experience.

Suubi equally believes in the squad selected and will also be trusted to do some heavy lifting for the team in her new 15-16 girls’ age group.

“I believe it will be nice in this age group. 13-14 was very competitive and prepared me well for this one,” Suubi said.

The flag off ceremony presided over by National Council of Sports (NCS) senior sports officer Ann Nankya was mainly a source of encouragement for the swimmers.

Encouragement

Paralympian Husnah Kukundakwe, fresh from her World Championships, advised the swimmers not to change their routines at the competition.

“Focus on the things you have been working on in training. Give every race your all and remember to have fun,” Kukundakwe said.

Masters’ female captain Abisagi Mugenyi Namugenze said “you have not been training in vain. Just have faith that you will represent yourself and the country well, and that we will come back standing tall.” Her message was for the entire contingent and not just the 31 masters swimmers that will be coached by Henry Kakooza.

Uganda Aquatics general secretary Max Kanyerezi urged the athletes to work as a team and deliver another title while president Moses Mwase applauded the hard work put into non-residential training over the past weeks by the athletes and also announced without divulging details sponsorships from NCS, Uganda Airlines, and Speke Resort.

Maryanne Isabirye, who serves as Kanyerezi’s assistant and is also team manager, reserved her praise for parents who are the main sponsors of the athletes.

“Times are hard but when you get thousands to invest in something that has no immediate returns, that is sacrifice,” Isabirye said.

The Zone III competition started in 2015 and attracts mostly countries from eastern Africa although countries from other zones, especially the southern (IV) are usually invited.

The competition, graded through points, has age groups 12 and Under, 13-14, 15-16, and 17 and Over. Uganda, which will be aiming for a 5th record title, won the competition when it hosted it in 2015 and 2021, plus in 2023 when it was in Rwanda and in 2024 when it was in Burundi.

Kenya hosted and won in 2019 and will be looking to make home advantage count again.

Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships

Age group team

Alba Ihunde, Ashton Regina Suubi, Gabriella Eleanor Nakimuli, Gabriella Opolot, Jehan Babirye, Jinan Nakato, Nisha Pearl Najjuma (12 and Under girls)

Crystal Ssemanda, Mackayla Ssali, Paula Nabukeera, Theresa Kikambi, Tyrah Muganzi, Zara Mbanga (13-14 girls)

Alexis Mary Akol, Paloma Kirabo, Peyton Suubi, Rahmah Nakasule, Sonia Mwere (15-16 girls)

Tara Kisawuzi (17 and Over girls)

Elijah Ayesiga, Giovanni Cruz Mbanga, Jeremiah Ssempijja, Jordan Musoke, Kristian Bwisho, Raymond Ssali (12 and Under boys)

Benjamin Ssali, Elijah Mukisa, Jayson Aronda, Jonathan Kaweesa, Kigundu Ssango, Manuel Ssemanda (13-14 boys)

Daniel Rukundo, Ethani Ssengooba, Isaiah Kuc, Peterson Inhensiko, Shaun Murungi (15-16 boys)

Ampaire Namanya, Kyle Kaweesa, Jordan Munyikwa, Malcolm Nahamya, Mathew Mwase, Pendo Kaumi (17 and Over boys)

Masters team

Abisagi Mugenyi Namugenze, Belinda Eleanor Illamai, Christine Kesende, Dorothy Ssemanda, Esther Nadunga, Isabella Omara Sigombe, Jackline Mbabazi, Kezia Wairimu, Linda Namayanja, Michelle Mugisha Ayesiga, Olivier Nalwadda, Patricia Ejalu, Rachael Amito, Resty Kiwuka, Sandra Arinaitwe, Takia Nabirye (women)

Aksam Magoola, Alex Kateeba, Benon Ojwiya, Charles Obwana, Donald Rukare, Dunstan Rukare, Ivan Muhoozi, Habib Yawe, Henry Kakooza, Ismail Munaaba, Patrick Magezi, Paul Kaganzi, Peter Mugisha, Peter Ssebanakitta, Phillip Nuwagaba, Yuda Morris Ssekamatte (men)

Kadaga slams govt over poorly equipped rural health facilities

The First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for East Africa Community Affairs Ms Rebecca Kadaga, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to adequately equip public hospitals and health centres, especially in rural areas.

Speaking at the weekend during a Kidney Health Camp, organised by Becky’s Child Foundation, Ms Kadaga criticised the government for relying on NGOs to support its health facilities.

“I am not happy that some of our government hospitals are supported by NGOs. Our taxpayers deserve better health services. NGOs should only supplement, not lead, the health sector, “she said.

Ms Kadaga pledged to raise the issue in Parliament and Cabinet, advocating for improved access to affordable healthcare and greater investment in public health facilities.

The Kamuli Woman MP said she had successfully lobbied for the establishment of five kidney diagnostic centres across Busoga, aimed at taking services closer to the people and reducing the need for patients to travel to Kampala.

The centres are in Kamuli, Iganga,Mayuge, Bugiri, Kaliro and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

Dr Joseph Gyagenda, president of the Uganda Kidney Association, called for early screening and diagnosis to manage kidney-related illnesses before they advance.

Dr Afizi Kibuuka, the Deputy Director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and a consultant, urged health workers to apply soft skills when attending to patients because it is the first diagnostic approach.

Dr Kibuuka noted that making patients feel genuinely cared for not only enhances their experience but also plays a significant role in their healing process, often without the need for additional clinical intervention.

‘Friendly, caring service helps restore patient hope,’ Dr Kibuuka emphasised.

Mr James Waako, Kamuli District Health Officer, noted a critical gap in rural healthcare access, saying most resources are concentrated in urban areas.

‘We need to equip grassroots health facilities so that we can offer screening and advice. Many patients here cannot afford to travel long distances to access some diagnostic requests for investigations,’ he said.

Ms Rebecca Mubeezi, Executive Director of Becky’s Child Foundation, described the health camp as an Independence gift to Busoga.

Ms Mubeezi, who was brought up by Ms Kadaga because she shared a name with her, commended the former Speaker for her leadership and dedication to community health.

‘We screened over 420 people today, and 560 last month, providing not just results but follow-up treatment as well,’ she said.

She also emphasized the need for preventive health services, outreach, and child mentorship, and pledged to mobilize more resources for future health camps.

Kano Censorship Board and content creators

Sir: In the age of TikTok trends, YouTube skits, and viral Facebook videos, Kano State finds itself wrestling with a new kind of moral and cultural challenge – the rise of digital content creators. At the centre of this debate is the Kano State Film and Video Censorship Board, an institution tasked with regulating creative expression within the state. While the board insists it is protecting cultural and religious values, many young creators argue that it is stifling innovation and free speech.

Over the years, the board has grown in influence, especially with the rise of Kannywood, Northern Nigeria’s vibrant film industry based in Kano. Through this platform, thousands of actors, producers, and scriptwriters found fame – but also strict oversight.

With the rapid growth of social media, a new generation of entertainers has emerged outside the traditional film industry. TikTokers, YouTubers, and online comedians have captured millions of followers by producing short, often humorous videos that speak to everyday life. However, this new wave of digital freedom has brought them under the radar of the censorship board, which now insists that all content creators operating in Kano must register with the board. According to officials, the move is meant to ensure accountability and prevent the spread of ‘immoral and indecent’ content online.

However, many young content creators see the policy as a form of censorship designed to suppress free expression. Some argue that the new rule could discourage creativity and push talented youths to relocate to other states where regulations are more relaxed.

The tension between tradition and technology is not new in Kano. For decades, the state has struggled to balance its deeply religious identity with the pressures of modernization. From the early controversies surrounding Kannywood films to recent restrictions on music and dance events, the censorship board has often found itself at the centre of cultural battles. But the digital era presents a far more complex challenge – one that transcends physical borders and thrives in the virtual world.

At its core, the controversy reflects a broader question about identity and progress. Can Kano embrace the opportunities of the digital era without losing its moral compass? Or will the push to control online expression drive its youth away from creativity and entrepreneurship? The answer, many say, lies in balance – a middle path where culture, religion, and modern innovation coexist.

As young people in Kano continue to navigate the crossroads between expression and regulation, one thing is certain: the struggle over who defines morality in the digital space is far from over. In a world where smartphones have become the new stages and cameras the new pulpits, the clash between content and censorship may well define the next chapter of Kano’s social evolution.

Ask the doctor: Is diabetes responsible for my irregular periods at 35?

I am a 35-year-old diabetic who has noticed changes in my periods. Sometimes I do not get periods at all, and other times my periods are very long. Can diabetes cause this, or could there be other reasons for these irregular periods? Dinah

Dear Dinah,

Diabetes Mellitus (commonly known as diabetes) is a chronic condition that arises when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced is ineffective in regulating blood sugar levels.

This leads to elevated blood sugar, which can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision, among others.

Individuals with diabetes may indeed experience irregular periods. This can be linked to various factors, including being overweight or experiencing rapid weight loss, both of which can disrupt menstrual regularity and require further investigation and management to normalise periods.

Additionally, diabetes itself can contribute to irregular periods due to insulin resistance.

Elevated insulin levels are known to interfere with the regularity of menstrual cycles. In cases of type 1 diabetes, reduced insulin production can disturb the hormonal balance that regulates menstruation.

To effectively manage diabetes and help regularise menstrual cycles, it is essential to adopt a balanced diet that is low in fats and sugars, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise weekly, ensure adequate sleep, manage stress, and adhere to prescribed diabetes medications.

At the age of 35, some women may experience irregular periods due to age-related fluctuations in the hormones that regulate menstruation. It is not uncommon for some women to enter menopause earlier than expected.

Additionally, hormonal contraception can also contribute to irregular menstrual cycles.

Dead fish, livestock raise suspicion of toxic pollution on River Alupe

A suspected case of toxic pollution in River Alupe has left residents of Busia district alarmed after dead fish and livestock were discovered along the riverbanks earlier this week. The river, which supports hundreds of families on both sides of the Uganda-Kenya border, has raised fears of a potential health crisis.

Communities in Buteba sub-county, who rely on the river for drinking water, fishing, and farming, were shocked by the sudden change in the river’s appearance. Residents reported that the water initially had an oily film, then turned green and finally dark.

“Alupe River has always had clear water, but on that morning I saw an oily film. Shortly after, it turned green, and then it became dark,” said Mr Charles Ouma Okitui, a resident of Alupe village. He witnessed fish dying in large numbers and confirmed that a cow belonging to a resident died after drinking the polluted water.

Despite warnings, some residents were seen collecting the dead fish for food. “People are scrambling to pick the fish, but we’re worried it may not be safe for human consumption,” Mr. Okitui said.

The pollution has sparked concerns about the potential health risks associated with using the river water. Mr. Emmanuel Okitui from Amagoro village suspects the pollution may have been caused by a major chemical leak from the Wagagai Gold Mining Company, a Chinese firm investing over $200m in gold extraction and processing.

“Pollution of this magnitude could only have come from Wagagai,” he claimed. However, Mr. Allan Mugarura, the environment officer at Wagagai, denied the allegations, saying the company values the river as much as the community does.

“We need clean water for our operations, so we cannot afford to pollute River Alupe,” Mr. Mugarura said. He added that the company recycles all wastewater through tailing dams and ensures it is reused within the factory.

Local officials have launched investigations into the source of the contamination. Mr. Jimmy Ngolobe, the Busia senior natural resources officer, confirmed that water samples had been collected for testing.

“We’re working with the Ministry of Water and Environment to determine what substance caused the pollution and whether the water poses a danger to human and animal health,” he said.

Environmental activists and local leaders are urging the government to impose temporary restrictions on using the river until test results are released. Ms Mary Birungi, another resident, said the river has been their only water source since boreholes dried up, allegedly due to mining activities.

“We use it for cooking, drinking, and farming. Now we fear for our health,” she said. Ms. Emily Akware echoed the concern, calling for urgent intervention.

“We are appealing to the Ministry of Water and NEMA to investigate and protect the community,” she said.

The incident has raised urgent questions about environmental monitoring around major industrial operations and the preparedness of local authorities to respond to ecological disasters.

Grassroots group rallies behind APC

The President, Sustenance of Faith in Governance, (SOFIG) Family, Kingsley Ezekwelu, has said they were supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu because of his leadership qualities.

He described Ukachukwu as a leader with milk of kindness, who has all it takes to fix Anambra within six months.

The governorship elections in the state is billed to hold November 8.

Ezekwelu, spoke at Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area, when he led the SOFIG Family executives to the flag-off campaign of its 21 Local Government Area tours and mobilization of Polling unit Canvassers across the 326 electoral wards, yesterday.

He urged members of the Ikukuoma SOFIG Family to ‘make it a date with history’ by voting massively for the joint ticket of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife.

Ezekwelu described them as a perfect team endowed with the experience, credibility, and vision to reposition Anambra for greatness, emphasising the need to elect a leadership that understood the people’s pains and have the willpower to deliver good governance.

Ayamelum Coordinator of the group, Pastor Emeka Okonkwo,

said the state deserves a people-oriented and transformational government that will restore hope and ensure development reaches every community.

He noted that the (APC) ticket of Prince Ukachukwu and Senator Ekwunife offers the most credible path to achieve that vision.

Ntungamo Muslims, district leaders clash over land

A land dispute between the Ntungamo Muslim community and the Ntungamo District Local Government has sparked security and political controversy, prompting intervention from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Muslim leaders accuse the local government of grabbing land allocated to them in the 1970s and attempting to sell it to private individuals.

“For over 15 years now, we have been fighting to have full access to our land but the district administration has been against us,” said Hajji Hakim Kibonge, a Muslim leader in the area. “The politicians at the district level are conniving with local leaders at Rugarama Sub County and want to take the land, unfortunately, they want to sell it to private individuals. Every time our people want to use the land, they are arrested, and everyone seems to be against us.”

The disputed land is over 100 acres and Hajji Kibonge claims that they have the necessary documentation.

“We were allocated here (District Muslim Mosque centre- Ntungamo town) in the 1920s, but a few years ago, we saw National Forest Authority (NFA) come and erect mark stones in front of our buildings claiming they are in a forest reserve,” said Hajji Swaleh Kashangirwe, the Ntungamo District Khadi. “We also had a conflict with some neighbours. In Rweikiniro, people had grabbed over 50 per cent of our land, now the district wants to take even the one we thought was secure.”

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has stepped in to address the issue, with Hajji Musa Lukandwa, the presidential assistant in charge of mobilisation and security, urging Muslims to remain calm and fight for their rights without thinking they are being attacked because of their religion.

“There was a time when all Muslim leaders were moving with bond forms from police in their pockets, until Gen Kahinda (Minister for Internal Affairs) intervened,” Hajji Lukandwa said. “If they were not suspects of terrorism, it was because they were fighting for their land. It’s becoming different, and government is attending to different factors. I believe most of these grievances will be addressed.”

Representing the Minister for Internal Affairs, Maj Gen Willis Byarugaba noted the Muslims’ concerns and asked them to avoid religionising their issues. “I believe no one is taking your land because you are Muslims,” he said.

“Like there are thieves anywhere, we also need to find out much and resolve these matters. Fortunately, some are in court.”

The leaders accused the district leadership of not acting when called upon and instead siding with land grabbers.

The Ntungamo RDC, Ms Miriam Kagaiga, noted that some issues are beyond their jurisdiction, making them remain observers.

How Kiplimo became the seventh fastest marathoner ever

Jacob Kiplimo is back on the lips of the globe after he conquered any barriers present to win the Chicago Marathon in Illinois, USA on Sunday.

Kiplimo ran a superb second half of the 42km race to win his first global marathon on the second attempt in a time of two hours, two minutes and 23 minutes.

‘To come here to win the race is a big achievement for me,’ Kiplimo said after the race. ‘He ran very well,’ his coach Peter Chelangat said. When road races come his way, Kiplimo rarely misses the target.

Since missing a medal at the 10000 metres final during the Paris Olympics in France, Kiplimo has won four of seven road races in 13 months.

Kiplimo for long threatened the marathon world record (WR) mark of 2:00:35 set by Kenyan the late Kelvin Kiptum during his victory in Chicago two years ago.

With about 8km left to complete the race, Kiplimo threatened Kiptum’s time, with the predictor placing his finish at 2:00:13, totally blistering yet unimaginable.

But even if he mathematically withered out of that momentous pursuit, Kiplimo still finished strong to become the seventh fastest marathoner in history.

For a 24-year-old who only debuted with second place in a pretty respectable 2:03:37 at the London Marathon in England on April 27, Kiplimo is now only bettered by six names: Kiptum, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma, Kenyans Sabastian Sawe and Benson Kipruto in that order.

‘I told you we only needed a better run an improvement from that of London,’ Chelangat stated, ‘We were hoping for an improvement from the previous one.’

In Chicago, Kiplimo’s mark was the quickest a marathoner has run on that flat course with long straights. Whereas Kiplimo was visibly worn out in the final mile evidenced by his collapse to the floor after the tape, the man from Bukwo had done his hard work much earlier.

A half-marathon WR holder at 56:42, Kiplimo had been pitted against defending champion Kenyan John Korir. The goal was to attempt Kiptum’s mark.

They kept in their own lead group and went out first, under WR pace by 10 miles with the cast comprising pace setters and other Kenyans Philemon Kimaiyo, Amos Kipruto and Timothy Kiplagat.

After the halfway mark, Korir who won the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, USA in April, and Kiplimo, broke away and held a 10-second gap over the rest of the group.

Thereafter, Kiplimo just charged forward by calmly exuding his customary poetry on the road and left Korir for dead, thereby establishing a 12-second lead over Korir over the next 5km up to 30km. His pace at that stage was projected for a 2:00:16 finish.

And for that entire period, even if he kept looking back in check of a potential challenger, Kiplimo was purely against the clock for the WR. He breezed past the 35km mark in 1:39:53 and still under the WR pace – a predicted finish of 2:00:30.

His legs however gave way in the closing stages but neither in the race could deny him the victory, a history feat making him the first Ugandan to ever win a World Marathon Major (WMM).

The WMMs are seven: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Sydney, Chicago and New York. A pile of Ugandans including 2012 Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich, Jackson Kiprop, Stephen Kissa, Victor Kiplangat and Joshua Cheptegei have run there before but none had taken the ribbons away at the finish-line.

In history, no man has ever held both WRs over the 21km and 42km at the same time and Kiplimo lived within that space for the greater part of yesterday. ‘Yes, almost,’ added Chelangat about the WR.

Put simply, it is only a matter of time before Kiplimo shatters that mark, barring of course, any unforeseen circumstances. The courses in London, Berlin and Chicago suite that debate.

2025 CHICAGO MARATHON

MEN’S 42KM RACE RESULT

1 Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:02:23

2 Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:03:54

3 Alex Masai (KEN) 2:04:37

4 Conner Mantz (USA) 2:04:43

5 Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:04:50

KIPLIMO IN 2025

Oct 12, 2025: Chicago Marathon (1st, 2:02:23)

Aug 27, 2025: Buenos Aires 21K (1st, 58:29)

Apr 27, 2025: London Marathon (2nd, 2:03:37)

Feb 16, 2025: Barcelona Half-Marathon (1st, 56:42)

FASTEST MARATHONERS – BEST TIME

2:00:35 by Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) at Chicago Marathon on Oct 8, 2023

2:01:09 by Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) at Berlin Marathon on Sep 22, 2022

2:01:41 by Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) at Berlin Marathon on Sept 29, 2019

2:01:48 by Sisay Lemma (ETH) at Valencia Marathon on Dec 3, 2023

2:02:05 by Sabastian Sawe (KEN) at Valencia Marathon on Dec 1, 2024

2:02:16 by Benson Kipruto (KEN) at Tokyo Marathon on Mar 3, 2024

2:02:23 by Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) at Chicago Marathon on Oct 12, 2025

Aruna missing as African stars light up Tunis for 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships

From October 12 to 19, the city of Tunis, Tunisia, will reverberate with the energy and talent of Africa’s finest table tennis players as the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships get underway. Athletes from across the continent-East, West, North, Central, and South-have converged on the Tunisian capital, all vying for glory and coveted qualification spots for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom.

While Nigeria’s top-ranked Quadri Aruna is notably absent, the tournament still boasts a star-studded lineup including Egypt’s Omar Assar, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Egypt’s Hana Goda, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, and France-based Abdel-Kader Salifou.

From the leadership of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) to the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), the spirit of the event is one of celebration and unity.

TTTF President Samir Khelif expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event: ‘We’re honoured to be chosen once again to host this championship and deeply appreciate the trust of ITTF Africa. As always, we aim to provide warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere for all our guests.’

ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi also praised Tunisia’s swift response in stepping up after Rwanda’s withdrawal: ‘We’re immensely grateful to the people of Tunisia for their unwavering support. Their readiness to host on short notice speaks volumes about their commitment to the sport. This championship is all about the players, and Tunisia has created the perfect environment for them to shine.’

With youthful energy and national pride fuelling their ambitions, Tunisia’s rising stars are ready to take on Africa’s best and prove they belong on the big stage.

Leading the charge are 14-year-old Ela Saidi and 17-year-old Wassim Essid, key members of the Tunisian team competing at the eight-day tournament taking place at the Rades Multi-Purpose Hall in Tunis from October 12 to 19.

Making her debut at the prestigious event, Saidi described the opportunity to play alongside her idols as a dream come true. ‘I’m so happy to be competing in my first African Championships, especially sharing the stage with stars like Hana Goda and Omar Assar,’ she said.

‘It’s a huge honour, and I’ll give my best and perform to the highest level I can. Most importantly, I want to use this experience to grow as a player – facing top opponents will help me improve.’

Essid, fresh off his victory in the boys’ U-17 singles at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis, sees the tournament as another chance to challenge the continent’s elite.

‘I’m not going to relax – playing at home means I’ll have the support of the crowd, and I’ll give my best as always,’ he said.

‘It’s a big opportunity for Tunisia to host this event, and I hope we exceed expectations and make our country proud. We’d love to be part of the journey to London in 2026 through the team event.’