Mrs Esther Ashema Obile from Nasarawa State has successfully bagged certificate after participating at the International Judo Federation International Retraining, International Referee Licence Exam in Dakar, Senegal, from 18th to 22nd November, 2024.
A sole representative from Nigeria, the 29-year-old Judo Coach and Referee rose through the Nasarawa State Judo Association under the tutelage of Coach Bashir Bassey to National stardom where she is making positive impact before being picked as the only Nigerian for the Africa Judo Union Certificate ‘A’ Course.
Esther scored a total of 176 points to qualify for the issuance of the Certificate which involves rigorous evaluations.
By obtaining the prestigious Certificate, the Nasarawa State-born Judo referee hence qualifies to officiate at the African Junior and Cadet Judo Championship holding from 22nd-25th November, 2024, in Dakar, Senegal, and other major Judo Championships in Africa, thus enhancing Nasarawa’s and Nigeria’s reputation within the global judo community.
While expressing her gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for facilitating her participation in the programme, she said attending the Exam was an honour and a challenge, promising her determination to make Nasarawa State and Nigeria proud.
“I want to appreciate my father and leader of our dear State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the Nasarawa State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, for another wonderful opportunity given to me to represent the State and Nigeria at the International Judo Referee Promotion Exam in Dakar, Senegal, and to participate in the Junior and Cadet Africa Open Judo Championship.
“I also appreciate the leadership of the Nigeria Judo Federation for availing me this historic opportunity to represent the Federation and Country at this prestigious programme.
“It’s a wonderful experience for me here, and I believe when I come back to Nigeria, I will impact a lot in the sport for the betterment of my State and Country.
“I will do my best to be the eye of Nigeria Judo Federation in any African Competition, and to be an eye for Nasarawa State in all national competitions.”
Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, said Esther’s achievement marks a significant step forward for the State’s and Nation’s Judo community, showcasing the penchant of the Government to developing world-class officials.
“Our great ambassador, Esther Ashema Obile, has worked tirelessly to attain this height.
“Her poise and tenacity will certainly inspire future generations of judokas and referees in Nasarawa State and Nigeria.
“I thank our amiable Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for approving funds for her participation at the programme.
“I equally extend great appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner of our Ministry, Hon. Jafaru Ango, for seeing to the realisation of this remarkable achievement.
“On behalf of the entire Management and Staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, as well as the Government of Nasarawa State, I congratulate Mrs. Esther on this feat, and wish her well in the tasks ahead.
“I believe she will not let us down”, he concluded.
Participants from eighteen countries partook in the Certificate Exam which featured IJF Refereeing Interviews and African Practical Exam for Continental and International Referees.
Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS),
Head of Public Relations,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
