Nigeria’s Paralympic team received a warm welcome at the Presidential Villa following their impressive performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted the contingent and awarded them a total of $80,000 in recognition of their achievements.
The athletes secured seven medals—two gold, three silver, and two bronze. In appreciation of their efforts, the First Lady announced that gold medalists would receive $20,000 each, silver medalists $10,000 each, and bronze medalists $5,000 each.
Silver medalist, Flora Ugwunwa of Team Nigeria, pose for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Javelin Throw F54 Final at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, Stade de France. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The event, led by Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, celebrated the team’s remarkable success and brought national pride.
A Testament to Resilience and Excellence
Despite Nigeria’s Olympic team not securing any medals at the 2024 Olympics; despite a record number of athletes— the Paralympic team demonstrated their prowess with exceptional performances.
In her speech, the First Lady lauded the Paralympians for their dedication, resilience, and extraordinary achievements on the global stage.
She emphasized that their success at the Paralympic Games epitomized perseverance 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,” Sen. Tinubu stated.
She added, “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.”
Special Recognition for Gold Medalists
The First Lady also gave special acknowledgment to Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, both of whom won gold in Para-powerlifting.
PARIS,Gold medalist Folashade Oluwafemiayo of Team Nigeria poses for a photo on the podium during the Women’s over 86kg Final of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Porte de La Chapelle Arena. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Their achievements in Paris were among the highlights of Nigeria’s Paralympic campaign, showcasing the nation’s strength in the sport.
“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 reception at the Presidential Villa marked a fitting conclusion to a successful Paralympic campaign, leaving the nation hopeful for even greater achievements in the future.
