First Lady Declares 3rd National Para Games Closed, Commends Athletes’ Resilience

First Lady Declares 3rd National Para Games Closed, Commends Athletes’ Resilience

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially declared the 3rd National Para Games closed, applauding the courage and determination displayed by athletes throughout the competition.

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The closing ceremony, held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, saw the First Lady represented by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima.

In her remarks, Senator Tinubu commended participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, describing them as symbols of courage, resilience, and excellence.

“You have shown us that the strength of the human spirit knows no limitations. You are true heroes of our nation,” she said.

She stressed the need to build a more inclusive society where persons living with disabilities are supported across all sectors, including education, health, employment, and leadership, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The First Lady also praised ongoing reforms in the sports sector under the leadership of Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, for successfully organising the Games and repositioning Nigerian sports.

Speaking at the event, Dikko highlighted the consistent achievements of Nigeria’s para-athletes on the global stage, calling for improved access to training, facilities, and structured development pathways.

“Our para-athletes have continued to deliver outstanding performances and bring honour to the nation. They deserve a system that supports their ambition and gives them the platform to thrive,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, underscored the role of sports in social reengineering, while the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, emphasised the importance of sports in promoting national unity and development.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, represented by Lekan Abari, commended the high standard of competition, describing Nigerian para-athletes as global trailblazers.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the overall trophy to Enugu State, which topped the medals table with 40 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Bayelsa State finished second, followed by Edo State, Rivers State, and Lagos State in third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively.

The successful hosting of the Games reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity in sports and the empowerment of athletes with disabilities.

First Lady Declares 3rd National Para Games Closed, Commends Athletes’ Resilience