By Victor Kanayo
Wife of Nigerian President, Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday hosted Team Nigeria Paralympians after a handful of them won medals in Paris, France.
The event held inside the presidential villa, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, hosting the team that won seven medals.
The First Lady lauded the athletes for their dedication, resilience, and achievements, emphasising that their success at the Paralympic Games epitomises 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,” she said.
The President’s wife later rewarded the medalists with dollars.
While the gold medallists got $20,000, Silver medalists were rewarded with $10,000.
The Bronze medalists pocketed $5000.
