The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed the nation’s Paralympic athletes to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday, in honour of their exceptional performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Nigerian delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, was recognized for winning a total of seven medals.
During the reception, Tinubu praised the athletes for their resilience and dedication, emphasizing that their impressive achievements on the international stage exemplify their strength and love for the country.
“Today, we celebrate not just the medals, but the indomitable spirit that defines our athletes,” she said. “Your names will be etched in history as champions. I congratulate each of you for making Nigeria proud. Your triumph has united us in celebration, and I am confident that this marks the beginning of even greater accomplishments.”
The First Lady gave special recognition to gold medalists Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark for their standout performances in para-powerlifting, particularly noting Oluwafemiayo’s new world record of 167 kg.
“Folashade, your victory has set a new standard for para-athletes globally and is a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians,” Tinubu added.
Senator John Owan Enoh also commended the athletes for their perseverance and dedication, calling their victory an inspiration to the entire nation.
“Victory belongs to those who are determined. This team was both tenacious and dedicated,” Enoh said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing sports, especially for athletes with disabilities, and assured that their success would drive further investments in the sector.
The Nigerian Paralympic team brought home a total of seven medals from Paris—two gold, three silver, and two bronze—solidifying their place as one of the country’s most successful sports teams.
In recognition of their efforts, the First Lady announced cash rewards for the athletes: $20,000 for gold medalists, $10,000 for silver medalists, and $5,000 for bronze medalists.
