By Prosper Mene
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hailed the remarkable journey of Mary Victor Zira, a young girl from an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Adamawa State, who has defied the odds to become a world-class chess champion. In a heartfelt statement, Abubakar described Mary’s story as “a powerful symbol of opportunity and hope,” highlighting her inspiring transformation from displacement to global acclaim.
Mary, who was once displaced by conflict in northeast Nigeria, caught the attention of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) through its Feed and Read programme, which supports vulnerable children’s education and development. The initiative played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent, providing her with the tools and opportunities to excel in chess. Today, she stands as a beacon of resilience, earning international recognition for her strategic prowess on the chessboard.
In a post shared on his official X account on Friday, Atiku praised Mary’s determination and credited the AUN Feed and Read team for discovering her potential. “The story of Mary Zira is a story of opportunity and hope. From uncertainty, today she’s a world-class chess champion,” he wrote. “I am deeply grateful to the AUN Feed and Read team for discovering Mary.”
During a recent event at AUN, Mary was celebrated on stage, where she presented a silver medal to Atiku, a moment that underscored her growing legacy. The former vice president, a founder of AUN, used the occasion to call attention to the plight of countless other displaced children across Nigeria. “There are many more Marys whose future continues to be ruined by the devastation of insecurity across the country,” he noted, urging collective action to support their education and development.
Mary’s achievements not only spotlight her individual brilliance but also highlight the transformative impact of community-driven initiatives like AUN’s Feed and Read programme. As Nigeria grapples with ongoing challenges of displacement and insecurity, Mary Zira’s triumph serves as a clarion call for investment in the potential of its youth.
Atiku’s commendation has garnered widespread admiration on social media, with many Nigerians celebrating Mary as an inspiration. Her journey from an IDP camp to the global stage shoes the possibility of a brighter future, even in the face of adversity.
