By Tomiwa Jagunna
Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended the Team Nigeria to the just concluded 2024 Paralympics in Paris, noting that their success has united all Nigerians in celebration.
She stated that their stellar performance has shown the true meaning of perseverance, dedication and true sportsmanship.
The First Lady stated this while receiving the athletes and officials led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, in her office at the State House, Abuja.
This was disclosed by the media aide to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, in a statement made available to Channels Television on Saturday.
She specially acknowledged the gold medalists including Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark for also breaking world records.
“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”.
Senator Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of Para Sports in Africa, pointed out that the athletes have not only made the country proud but will also have their names written in the annals of history as champions.
“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”.
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,” he said.
The medalists, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Onyinyechi Mark (Gold), Ester Nworgu, Flora Ugwunwa, Omolayo Bose (Silver), Ogunkunle Isa and Eniola Mariam (Bronze) were also present and presented their medals to the First Lady while she in turn presented them with flowers and gifts.
