Nigerian poet Maryam Bukar Hassan Makes History at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Nigerian poet and United Nations Global Advocate for Peace, Maryam Bukar Hassan, has made history as the first Nigerian to carry the Olympic flag at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Maryam walked into the historic San Siro Stadium not as an athlete competing on the ice or snow, but as a global voice for peace and cultural diplomacy.

Her presence at the ceremony marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, highlighting the country’s growing representation beyond sports and into global advocacy and the arts.

As a celebrated poet and UN Global Advocate for Peace, Maryam has consistently used her voice to promote unity, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding.

Carrying the Olympic flag a symbol of global solidarity and shared humanity reflects both her international recognition and Nigeria’s expanding influence on the world stage.

Her historic appearance at Milano Cortina 2026 sends a powerful message: Nigerians are not only participants in global conversations, but leaders shaping them.