The Nigerian Paralympic contingent to the 2024 Paralympic Games was honored in grand style at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following their stellar performance in Paris.
As a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and triumphs, the athletes were awarded substantial cash rewards for their victories, highlighting the nation’s commitment to celebrating excellence and perseverance.
Gold medalists were each rewarded with $20,000, silver medalists received $10,000, while bronze medalists were presented with $5,000.
The First Lady, who hosted the event, expressed profound gratitude to the athletes, stating, “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.”
The team, which secured seven medals in total, two gold, three silver, and two bronze—was led by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.
He acknowledged the importance of the rewards, emphasizing the inspiration they bring to all Nigerians, particularly young athletes with disabilities. “Victory belongs to the tenacious,” Enoh said. “This team was tenacious and dedicated.”
Special recognition was given to Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, both gold medalists in Para-powerlifting, with Folashade breaking her own world record with an astonishing lift of 167kg.
Senator Tinubu praised their achievements, calling them a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians and para-athletes worldwide.
With these cash rewards, Nigeria not only celebrates its Paralympic heroes but also underscores its commitment to supporting sports development, ensuring the nation’s place on the global stage remains strong as Senator Tinubu remarked
