Team Enugu Crowned Champions As 3rd National Para Games Ends In Abuja

The 3rd National Para Games concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s velodrome on Friday, seeing Enugu State emerge as the overall winners.

The event was graced by several high-profile government dignitaries, including Her Excellency, Nana Kashim Shetima, wife of the Vice President, who represented the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON. Also in attendance were Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, and Her Excellency Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others.

The First Lady extended her commendation to all participating athletes for their discipline, focus, and resilience, reassuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s administration’s commitment to creating ongoing opportunities for their excellence.

“I celebrate and commend the athletes for their participation at this competition. For those who have won medals and those who did not win, you all are worthy winners and Champions.”

She further emphasised the government’s dedication: “This Government is committed to the life of every Nigerian because every Nigerian life matters. Mr President is committed to sports like every other sector, which is why no one is left behind in the renewed hope aspiration of the Government.” The First Lady also praised Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and his team for the successful organisation of the games and for “positively reshaping the state of Nigerian sports.”

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, assured the nation’s Para athletes of their continued prominence within the Commission’s activities and programmes. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising sports within the Federal Government’s agenda.

Enugu State, the overall champions, will return to the Coal City with an impressive haul of 40 Gold, 8 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals. Bayelsa State secured second place with 25 Gold, 30 Silver, and 34 Bronze medals, while Edo State finished third with 25 Gold, 14 Silver, and 12 Bronze medals. Rivers and Lagos States completed the top five, placing fourth and fifth respectively, with 21 Gold, 21 Silver, and 17 Bronze, and 20 Gold, 23 Silver, and 20 Bronze medals.