The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the remarkable performance of Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France, describing their achievements as a testament to perseverance, dedication, and true sportsmanship.
Speaking during a reception for the athletes and officials, led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, at the State House in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating that they have not only brought honor to the nation but also secured their place in history as champions.
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The First Lady singled out gold medallists Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark for their record-breaking achievements in para-powerlifting.
Oluwafemiayo’s world-record lift of 167 kg was particularly highlighted as a remarkable feat, establishing her as a two-time Paralympic champion.
In a statement released by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu said, “Today, we honor not just the medals but the resilience and determination that defines our athletes. Your names will forever be etched in the annals of history as true champions.”
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She commended the entire team for raising the bar for para-athletes worldwide and serving as a source of inspiration for millions of Nigerians.
She also emphasized the importance of continued investment in sports, particularly for para-athletes, and called for the provision of better resources and support systems to ensure their sustained success.
“The success of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris marks a new chapter for Nigerian sports. It is a reminder that we must continue to support and invest in our athletes to ensure their growth and development. Our para-athletes deserve the best, and we must provide the necessary resources and incentives to celebrate their accomplishments,” she added.
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The First Lady, who serves as the Grand Patron of Para-Sports in Africa, congratulated all the athletes for their dedication, unity, and determination, expressing confidence that their achievements will lead to even greater successes in the future.
In his remarks, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, thanked Mrs. Tinubu for her unwavering support of para-sports in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the team’s tenacity and dedication, noting that since Nigeria’s first participation in the Paralympic Games in 1960, the country has won nearly 100 medals.
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The athletes, including gold medallists Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, silver medallists Ester Nworgu, Flora Ugwunwa, Omolayo Bose, and bronze medallists Ogunkunle Isa and Eniola Mariam, presented their medals to the First Lady, who in turn gifted them flowers and tokens of appreciation.
