…Says their stories show courage, determination, and inspiration
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended Team Nigeria for their stellar performance at the recently concluded 2024 Paralympics in Paris, noting that they exemplified perseverance, dedication, and true sportsmanship.
She made these remarks 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.
She gave special recognition to the gold medalists, including Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, for breaking world records.
“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,” she said.
“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 Oluremi Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of Para-Sports in Africa, emphasized that the athletes have not only made the country proud but will have their names etched in 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,” she added.
“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 Para-sports. He noted that since the inception of the Paralympic Games in 1960, Nigeria has won about 100 medals.
“Victory belongs to the tenacious. This team was tenacious and dedicated,” he said.
The medalists, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark (Gold), Ester Nworgu, Flora Ugwunwa, and Omolayo Bose (Silver), as well as Ogunkunle Isa and Eniola Mariam (Bronze), presented their medals to the First Lady, who in turn presented them with flowers and gifts.
