Lifestyle
Sergeant Cynthia Maurice Becomes Nigeria’s First Female Military Professional Golfer
In a groundbreaking achievement, Sergeant Cynthia Maurice of the Nigerian Airforce has made history by becoming the country’s first female professional golfer in the military. This milestone was accomplished during the week-long Professional Examinations held from July 14 to July 20 at HSD Golf Club Bayelsa, sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria.
Sergeant Maurice’s journey to this historic achievement is a testament to her resilience, perseverance, and determination. Just four years ago, inspired by professional golfers she admired on the course, Cynthia embarked on her golfing journey. Refusing to remain an amateur, she set her sights on becoming a professional golfer. With unwavering dedication, she channeled her mind and body towards her goal, sacrificing tirelessly to hone her skills.
“From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement,” said Emmanuel Odoh, Assistant Resident Head Professional at TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club. “Her hard work, discipline, and courage have earned her the crown of bravery, resilience, and honor.”
The examinations, which consisted of playing ability tests, written, and oral components, were rigorous. Yet, Cynthia’s determination saw her through. Her success not only marks a personal triumph but also paves the way for other female golfers in the military and inspires young girls to pursue careers in sports.
“Her achievement highlights the progress made in promoting gender equality and diversity in the Nigerian military,” Odoh noted. “Today, we celebrate Cynthia’s remarkable journey, her perseverance, and her refusal to accept anything less than excellence. Congratulations, Pro Cynthia Maurice.”
Cynthia Maurice’s story is more than just a personal success; it is a beacon of inspiration for future generations. Her achievement showcases the possibilities that open up with dedication and hard work. It also underscores the importance of promoting gender equality and diversity within the military and beyond.
As Cynthia continues to break barriers and set new standards, she embodies the spirit of bravery and resilience. Her journey from a novice golfer to a professional is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, any goal is achievable.
Sergeant Cynthia Maurice’s historic accomplishment is a cause for celebration, not just for her, but for the entire nation. It marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and diversity. Her success story will undoubtedly inspire countless others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Congratulations to Sergeant Cynthia Maurice, Nigeria’s first female military professional golfer, a true trailblazer and a symbol of excellence in the world of sports.
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke was born on July 29, 1996, in Ohio, United States. She is a Nigerian-American hammer thrower who has made a name for herself in the world of athletics. Annette’s athletic career began in school, where she won the shot put and discus throw at a sports day event. She later attended the University of Cincinnati, where she was a member of the track and field team.
In 2017, she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in the weight throw event. In 2020, Annette elected to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games. However, she was disqualified due to the negligence of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The federation failed to conduct the required out-of-competition drug tests, which led to the disqualification of Annette and nine other Nigerian athletes. Despite this setback, Annette continued to pursue her athletic career.
In 2021, she set four successive Nigerian and African records in the hammer throw event, with a personal best of 75.49m. She is currently ranked seventh in the world in the women’s hammer throw. Annette switched allegiance to the United States and represented the country at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She won a silver medal in the women’s hammer throw event, with a throw of 75.48m. This was the first Olympic medal for the United States in the women’s hammer throw event.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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