… Honours them as Ambassadors of Beyond Disability Project
… Promises to recommend them to the President for National Honours
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, on Saturday, hosted the triumphant Nigerian Paralympic team to a grand reception in Abuja, following their historic performance at the recently concluded Paralympic Games in France.
Recall that the Nigerian Paralympic team’s performance at the Games was stellar, as they brought home a total of seven medals: two gold, three silvers and two bronze medals.
Team captain, Folashade Oluwafemiayo made history by breaking her own world record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category, lifting 167kg to clinch gold.
Onyinyechi Mark secured Nigeria’s first gold medal in the Para-Powerlifting finals, while Esther Nworgu won silver in the women’s 41kg Para-Powerlifting event. Eniola Bolaji clinched a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event, while Flora Ugwunwa took home silver in the women’s javelin F54 final. Additionally, Isau Ogunkunle secured bronze in Para-Table Tennis, and Bose Omolayo added a silver in the 79kg Para-Powerlifting category.
In his keynote address, Hon. Abba Isa noted that their impressive results in France demonstrated the resilience and determination of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to rise above challenges and showcase their talents on the global stage.
The Senior presidential aide lauded the Ministry of Sports Development and the leadership of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to the success of the athletes.
The SSAP maintained that this achievement is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Persons With Disabilities, stressing that they have proven that there is ability in disability.
The presidential aide stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to the well-being and empowerment of PWDs, adding that his office, in partnership with the Nigerian Paralympic Committee, will continue to work with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to create more opportunities for PWDs to thrive and explore their full potential.
In recognition of their exceptional achievements, Hon. Abba Isa announced that the Paralympians would be honored as Ambassadors of the Beyond Disability Project, a national initiative aimed at empowering talented PWDs.
He further promised to recommend them to President Tinubu for National Honours, acknowledging their role in uplifting Nigeria’s reputation through sports.
In his remark, the National Coordinator of Beyond Disability Project, Mr. Stephen Rodstick, also praised the athletes, expressing gratitude to the technical team and the coaching crew for their efforts.
Mr Rodstick mentioned that the athletes have done the nation proud, and with the Beyond Disability Project, the future looks even brighter for the disability community in Nigeria.
Delivering his goodwill message, the President of the Nigerian Paralympic Committee, Mr. Sunday Odebode, highlighted the team’s perseverance, recalling how several athletes battled injuries just days before the tournament.
Mr Odebode stressed that despite these challenges, the team secured an impressive haul of medals, winning two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
He emphasized the importance of early preparation and assured the athletes of continued support from both the Federal Government and the private sector.
“This is just the beginning. We are already preparing for the next Olympics in Los Angeles, and we are determined to avoid a fire brigade approach,” he said.
Speaking, the Honorable Minister of Sports Development, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr. Oladipupo Idowu, expressed his appreciation to Hon. Abba Isa for organizing the reception to celebrate the athletes’ remarkable achievements.
He reassured that the ministry would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the athletes’ future success.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, team captain and gold medalist, Oluwafemiayo Folashade, expressed gratitude to Hon. Abba Isa for hosting the reception and thanked the Ministry of Sports Development for their ongoing support.
She promised that the team would continue to strive for excellence and bring home more medals in future competitions.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the athletes as Beyond Disability Ambassadors, as well as the decoration of officials with medals. The Minister of Sports Development was also honored with an Award of Excellence for his leadership and contributions to para-sports development in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Paralympic team’s outstanding achievements reaffirm the country’s dominance in para-sports, and their future in international competition looks brighter than ever.
