First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Honours Nigeria's 2024 Paralympians

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Honours Nigeria's 2024 Paralympians 

L-R Minister of Sports Development Sen. John Enoh, First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Gold Medalist Folashade Oluwafemiayo when the First Lady received Team Nigeria at the just concluded Paralympic Games in Paris at the State House Abuja on Saturday 14th September 2024

...Commends Athletes for Their Courage, Determination, and Inspiration

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the remarkable performance of Team Nigeria at the recently concluded 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, describing their achievements as a testament to perseverance, dedication, and true sportsmanship.

During a reception held at the State House in Abuja, the First Lady welcomed the athletes and officials, who were accompanied by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh. In her address, she highlighted the extraordinary efforts of the athletes, particularly gold medalists Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, who also set new 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," Tinubu said. She singled out Oluwafemiayo’s record-breaking lift of 167kg in Para-powerlifting, which solidified her position as a two-time Paralympic champion, calling the feat an inspiration for millions of Nigerians.

 First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Bronze Medalist Eniola Mariam when the First Lady received Team Nigeria at the just concluded Paralympic Games in Paris at the State House Abuja on Saturday 14th September 2024

Senator Tinubu, who also serves as the Grand Patron of Para-Sports in Africa, emphasized that the athletes had not only made Nigeria proud but had set a new standard in the nation's sporting history. "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 support and invest in our athletes. We must provide the necessary resources, structures, and opportunities for their growth. Our Para-athletes deserve the very best," she stated.

The First Lady further assured the athletes that their victories had united the nation in celebration, expressing confidence in their future accomplishments. "Your success has brought us together in pride, and I am confident that this is just the beginning of more historic achievements. With champions like you, Nigeria's place on the global stage is assured," she added.

First Lady of Nigeria HE Senator Oluremi Tinubu ( middle) flanked on the left by the wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shetimma, on the right by Minister of Sports Development SenJohn Enoh and surrounded by others when the First Lady received Team Nigeria at the just concluded Paralympic Games in Paris at the State House Abuja on Saturday 14th September 2024

In his remarks, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, thanked the First Lady for her unwavering support of Para-sports and highlighted Nigeria's historical success in the Paralympics, noting that the country had won nearly 100 medals since its first appearance at the Games in 1960. "Victory belongs to the tenacious, and this team has demonstrated incredible dedication and perseverance," he said.

The medalists—Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark (Gold), Ester Nworgu, Flora Ugwunwa, Omolayo Bose (Silver), and Ogunkunle Isa and Eniola Mariam (Bronze)—presented their medals to the First Lady, who in turn presented them with flowers and gifts in recognition of their achievements.

Signed:

Busola Kukoyi  

SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  

14th September 2024