Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris shows courage, determination, and inspiration
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Saturday, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised Team Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the recently concluded 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France. She emphasized that their exceptional achievements demonstrate the essence of perseverance, dedication, and true sportsmanship.
The First Lady expressed her appreciation while receiving the athletes and officials, led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, at her office in the State House, Abuja.
Gold medalists received a reward of $20,000 each, while silver medalists were acknowledged with $10,000 each. Bronze medal winners also received $5,000 in recognition of their efforts.
Mrs. Tinubu extended special recognition to the gold medalists, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, who both broke world records. She stated, “Today, we celebrate not just the medals, but the spirit of resilience that defines our athletes. Your names will be written in the annals of history as champions.”
Addressing Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, the First Lady highlighted their outstanding achievements: “Folashade’s incredible lift of 167kg broke her world record and established her as a two-time Paralympic champion. You have raised the bar for para-athletes worldwide, and your victory stands as a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians.”
As the Grand Patron of Para-Sports in Africa, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the athletes not only brought pride to the country but also secured a place in the history books as champions.
She stated, “The Paris 2024 Paralympics marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian sports. This success calls us all to action, urging support and investment in our athletes. It is crucial to provide the necessary structures, resources, and opportunities for their continuous growth. Our Para-athletes deserve the very best, and we must strive to provide the much-needed incentives to celebrate them.”
Addressing the athletes, she congratulated each one of them for making Nigeria proud and expressed confidence in their future accomplishments. She said, “Your success has united us all in celebration, and I am confident that this is just the beginning of more historic accomplishments to come. We look forward to the future with renewed hope, knowing that with champions like you, Nigeria’s place on the global stage is assured.”
In his speech, the Minister of Sports Development thanked Mrs. Tinubu for her continuous support of Para Sports. He highlighted Nigeria’s consistent success at the Paralympic Games since its inception, with the country winning approximately 100 medals.
He remarked, “Victory belongs to the tenacious. This team was tenacious and dedicated.”
The medallists—Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Onyinyechi Mark (Gold), Ester Nworgu, Flora Ugwunwa, Omolayo Bose (Silver), Ogunkunle Isa, and Eniola Mariam (Bronze)—presented their medals to the First Lady, who reciprocated by presenting them with flowers and gifts.
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