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.