Your success has united us in celebration – Remi Tinubu hails Paralympians
Story by Jane AISO
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended Team Nigeria for their outstanding performance at the just-concluded 2024 Paralympics in Paris, acknowledging that their success has united the nation in celebration. The athletes were received by the First Lady at the State House, Abuja, in the presence of the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, and other officials.
“Their success shows the true meaning of perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship,” the First Lady said during the meeting. She particularly celebrated the gold medalists, including Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, who broke world records in para-powerlifting.
Speaking on the athletes’ remarkable achievements, Mrs. Tinubu said, “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 added that Folashade’s world record-breaking lift of 167kg had set a new standard for para-athletes globally.
“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,” the First Lady noted.
Mrs. Tinubu, who serves as the Grand Patron of Para Sports in Africa, emphasized that this moment marks the start of a new chapter for Nigerian sports. She called for increased support and investment in the country’s athletes, stating that structures and resources need to be enhanced to ensure the continued success of Nigeria’s sportsmen and women.
“This success is a call to action for all of us to continue to support and invest in our athletes. Our Para-athletes deserve the very best, and we must strive to provide the necessary incentives to celebrate them,” she added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering support of Para Sports. He noted that Nigeria has won about 100 medals at the Paralympic Games since its inception in 1960.
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“Victory belongs to the tenacious. This team was tenacious and dedicated,” Enoh stated.
The medalists, including Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Onyinyechi Mark (Gold), Ester Nworgu, Flora Ugwunwa, Omolayo Bose (Silver), Ogunkunle Isa, and Eniola Mariam (Bronze), proudly presented their medals to the First Lady. In turn, Mrs. Tinubu gifted the athletes flowers and tokens of appreciation.
The Paralympians’ remarkable performance has sparked a wave of national pride, with many viewing their achievements as a testament to Nigeria’s potential on the global stage. The First Lady concluded by expressing confidence in the future of Nigerian sports, noting, “With champions like you, Nigeria’s place on the global stage is assured.”
This recognition of Nigeria’s Paralympians serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that defines the nation’s athletes, inspiring hope for continued triumphs in the future.
Written by Sekinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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