2024 Paralympics: Tinubu Showers N132m On Team Nigeria

2024 Paralympics: Tinubu Showers N132m On Team Nigeria

By Niyi Busari

The Nigerian Paralympic contingent to the 2024 Paralympic Games have been warmly received at the Presidential Villa by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following their impressive performance in Paris.

The First Lady showered the medalists with 80,000 dollars for winning two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in France.

The team led by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh were hosted by Senator Tinubu on Saturday, following their impressive performance at the Games, after securing a total of seven medals.

The First Lady lauded the athletes for their dedication, resilience, and extraordinary achievements, emphasizing that their success at the Paralympic Games epitomizes perseverance, dedication, and the highest standard of sportsmanship.

“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 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.”

“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 Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, who led the team to the State House, expressed deep pride in the athletes' performance and thanked the First Lady and the Presidency for their support to sports development in Nigeria. Senator Enoh highlighted the significance of the team's achievements, noting that their success serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Nigerians.

“Victory belongs to the tenacious. This team was tenacious and dedicated," Enoh stated. 

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting sports development in Nigeria, particularly for athletes with disabilities, as the nation continues to celebrate the achievements of its Paralympic heroes.

Nigeria’s Paralympic team’s remarkable haul of seven medals included two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Grand Patron of African Paralympic Sports, appreciated the medalist in this order. Gold medalist got $20,000, Silver medalist showered with $10,000 while Bronze medalists are appreciatd with $5000.