In a ceremony at the State House, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu commended Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes for their exceptional performance at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Mrs Tinubu praised the athletes’ perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship, saying, “Their achievements embody the true spirit of resilience and determination.”
The First Lady specifically recognized gold medalists Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark for breaking world records in Para-powerlifting, according to Daily Post.
She emphasized the significance of their accomplishments, stating, “Their names will be etched in history as champions, inspiring future generations of athletes.”
Mrs Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of Para-Sports in Africa, underscored the importance of continued support and investment in Nigerian sports.
She expressed hope for future successes, saying, “This triumph marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian sports, and I am confident that our athletes will continue to make us proud.”
The ceremony featured the presentation of medals by the athletes to the First Lady, who reciprocated with gifts and flowers.
Sports Development Minister Senator John Owan Enoh attended the event, thanking Tinubu for her unwavering support of Para Sports.
“Today, we celebrate not just the medals, but the spirit of resilience that defines our athletes and your names will be written in the annals of history as champions.
“I want to especially acknowledge Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark—who both won gold in Para-powerlifting. Folashade’s incredible lift of 167kg not only broke her own world record but also 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,” she said.
“The Paris 2024 Paralympics marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian sports.
“This success is a call to action for all of us to continue to support and invest in our athletes. We must ensure that the structures, resources, and opportunities necessary for their continuous growth are not just available but enhanced. Our Para-athletes deserve the very best, and we must strive to provide the much needed incentives to celebrate them.
“I congratulate each one of you for making Nigeria proud. 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,” she added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Sports Development thanked the First Lady for her continuous support of the Para Sports.
He noted that since inception of the Paralympics Games in 1960, Nigeria has won about 100 medals at the games.
“Victory belongs to the tenacious. This team was tenacious and dedicated,”
The medalists, 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 while she in turn presented them with flowers and gifts.
