First from Nasarawa: Esther Ashema Obile Obtains International Judo Certificate
Esther Ashema Obile, a 29-year-old Judo Coach and Referee from Nasarawa State, has made history by becoming the first person from Nasarawa State to obtain an International Certificate in Judo. This remarkable feat was achieved after participating in the International Judo Federation International Retraining, International Referee License Exam in Dakar, Senegal.
Esther’s journey to success began in Nasarawa State, where she rose through the ranks of the Nasarawa State Judo Association under the guidance of Coach Bashir Bassey. Her exceptional skills and dedication earned her a spot in the National Judo Team, where she made a positive impact.
What makes Esther’s achievement even more remarkable is that she comes from a family of accomplished referees. She is one of three sisters who have made a name for themselves in the world of sports officiating. Her sisters, Felicia Obile and Promise Obile Allu , are both renowned referees in football. Felicia holds the distinction of being the first and only FIFA Referee from Nasarawa State, while Precious is currently officiating in the Nigerian National League (NNL).
With this certificate, Esther qualified to officiate at major Judo Championships in Africa, including the African Junior and Cadet Judo Championships. This is a significant milestone for Nasarawa State and Nigeria, as it enhances their reputation within the global Judo community.
Esther expressed her gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for their support and facilitation of her participation in the program. She acknowledged that attending the exam was both an honor and a challenge, and she promised to make Nasarawa State and Nigeria proud.
The Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, congratulated Esther on her achievement. He noted that her success marked a significant step forward for the State’s and Nation’s Judo community, showcasing the government’s penchant for developing world-class officials.
Esther’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring judokas and referees in Nasarawa State and Nigeria. Her achievement demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and support, anything is possible.
