NIGERIAN POET MARYAM BUKAR HASSAN MAKES HISTORY AS OLYMPIC FLAG BEARER AT MILANO CORTINA 2026

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Agency Report

Nigeria recorded a historic milestone at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games as renowned poet and peace advocate, Maryam Bukar Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, emerged as the country’s first-ever Olympic flag bearer at the opening ceremony.

Maryam was selected to carry the iconic five-ringed Olympic flag, an honour traditionally reserved for individuals who exemplify the core ideals of the Olympic Movement, including global impact, cultural diplomacy, and advocacy beyond the field of sports.

She joined an elite group of global icons, including Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Brazilian gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade, placing Nigeria in rare and distinguished company on the world stage.

Clad in a bespoke Giorgio Armani outfit that reflected understated elegance, Maryam made her entrance into the historic San Siro Stadium in Milan, not as an athlete, but in her capacity as a United Nations Global Advocate for Peace. Her appearance underscored the growing recognition of art, culture, and advocacy as powerful tools for global transformation.

Sharing her experience on Instagram, Maryam posted a short video documenting her journey in Italy. The visuals captured intimate moments of reflection, emotion, and preparation, including scenes at the iconic Duomo di Milano and backstage moments ahead of her historic walk.

Known widely as Alhanislam, Maryam has built a reputation for using spoken-word poetry to challenge stereotypes, promote peace, and advocate for education and empowerment of the girl child in Nigeria.

Although the Winter Games have officially commenced, reactions across Nigeria’s digital space remain strong, with cultural commentators and critics praising the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for recognising contributions to global impact beyond athletic achievements.

Observers say Maryam’s presence at the opening ceremony represents a broader definition of excellence, one measured not only by medals but by the courage to speak truth, inspire change, and build bridges across cultures.

For many Nigerians, her walk in Milan marked more than ceremonial symbolism it signified a moment of living history.