First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares 3rd National Para Games Closed as Team Enugu Emerges Overall Champion
Oru Leonard
The 3rd National Para Games came to a successful close today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, with team Enugu emerging as the overall winner after an impressive performance throughout the competition.
The closing ceremony was attended by the top government dignitaries, including Her Excellency, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, who represented the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON. Other distinguished attendees include the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaibu Said Ahmed, the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and Her Excellency Fatima Tajudeen Abbas wife of the Speaker of the House of Representative, among others.
In her remark, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that empower persons with disabilities and improve their quality of life.
Speaking on the theme, “Ability in Disability: Celebrating Ability, Determination and Excellence,” the First Lady described para-athletes as true national heroes, commending their resilience, discipline, and determination.
She noted that their performances demonstrated courage and excellence, inspiring hope and national pride across the country.
She emphasized that every participant reflects the strength of the human spirit and the limitless potential of Nigerians when given the opportunity to thrive. While congratulating medal winners, she also praised all participants for their dedication and encouraged them to continue striving for greater achievements.
The First Lady highlighted that the Games underscore the importance of building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are fully supported. She reiterated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritises inclusion and ensures that no citizen is left behind, supported by initiatives such as the appointment of a Presidential Aide on Disability Matters and the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She further disclosed that the Renewed Hope Initiative provides annual business recapitalisation grants of ₦200,000 to 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT, particularly during the celebration of World Disability Day.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed pride at the successful hosting of the Games, describing them as a strong symbol of resilience, inclusion, and national unity. He commended the First Lady for her unwavering support and acknowledged the presence of distinguished dignitaries.
Mallam Dikko congratulated all para-athletes for their outstanding performances, noting that the Games go beyond medals to promote dignity, inclusion, and the transformative power of sport, he also commended families, coaches, officials, and support teams for their vital contributions.
He reiterated that the National Para Games send a clear message that every Nigerian and every talent matters. The Chairman outlined ongoing reforms in the sports sector, including improved funding, timely budget releases, and the establishment of a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to revitalize facilities nationwide.
According to him, these reforms are already contributing to economic growth and job creation while positioning sports as a key driver of national development. He reaffirmed that para-sports remain a central priority of the Commission.
Also speaking, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade described the Games as a historic and unifying event that brought together athletes from across the six geo-sports zones. He noted that the competition showcased resilience, sportsmanship, and national cohesion.
He added that the Games serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing talents who will represent Nigeria on the international stage. He commended all participants, organizers, and State Governments for their support and announced that bidding for the 2027 edition is now open.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, also praised the successful hosting of the Games, describing them as a landmark event promoting inclusivity and equality. She reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to inclusive policies and commended the athletes for their exemplary performances, noting that their achievements remain a source of national pride and a testament to the fact that ability knows no limitation.
Enugu emerged as the overall winner of the 3rd National Para Games, securing 40 gold, eight silver, and seven bronze Enugu emerged as the overall winner of the 3rd National Para Games, securing 40 gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals, for a total of 55 medals. Bayelsa State finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver, and 34 bronze medals, achieving the highest total medal count of 89, while Edo State claimed third place with 25 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze medals, totaling 51.
Rivers State placed fourth with 21 gold, 21 silver, and 17 bronze medals (59 total), followed by Lagos State in fifth with 20 gold, 23 silver, and 20 bronze medals (63 total). Abia State secured sixth position with nine gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze medals (43 total), and Plateau State finished seventh with eight gold, six silver, and 14 bronze medals, totaling 28. a total of 55 medals. Bayelsa State finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver, and 34 bronze medals, achieving the highest total medal count of 89, while Edo State claimed third place with 25 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze medals, totaling 51.
Rivers State placed fourth with 21 gold, 21 silver, and 17 bronze medals (59 total), followed by Lagos State in fifth with 20 gold, 23 silver, and 20 bronze medals (63 total). Abia State secured sixth position with nine gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze medals (43 total), and Plateau State finished seventh with eight gold, six silver, and 14 bronze medals, totaling 28.
(NSC MEDIA)
