By ADO SALISU
The third edition of the National Para Games came to a successful close on Friday at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with Enugu State emerging as overall champions.
According to a statement issued by Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Information and Public Relations at the National Sports Commission, and made available to this platform, the closing ceremony attracted several high-profile government dignitaries.
Among those in attendance was Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Also present were the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad; the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; and the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, among other notable guests.
READ ON: Why is Governor Yusuf against The Triumph?
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, commended all participating athletes for their discipline, focus, and resilience, assuring them that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to create opportunities for them to thrive and excel.
“I celebrate and commend all the athletes for their participation in this competition. For those who have won medals and those who did not, you are all worthy winners and champions,” she stated.
She further emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusivity and the welfare of every citizen, noting that no Nigerian will be left behind under the Renewed Hope agenda.
According to her, the President remains fully committed to the development of sports, just as in other key sectors, because every Nigerian life matters.
“I also want to commend the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and his team for ensuring the successful organization of these Games and for positively reshaping the state of Nigerian sports,” she concluded.
In his remarks, the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, reassured the country’s para-athletes of their continued importance in the Commission’s programmes and activities.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing sports development within the Federal Government’s agenda.
Enugu State who emerged overall champions of the games will be returning to the Coal city with a total of 40 Gold , 8 silver and 7 bronze medals while Bayelsa finished second with 25 Gold, 30 silver and 34 bronze medals. Edo state emerged third with 25 Gold , 14 silver and 12 bronze medals.
Rivers and Lagos state complete the top five in fourth and fifth positions with 21 gold , 21 silver and 17 bronze and 20 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals respectively.
