The House of Representatives will reward the victorious Team Nigeria’s contingent to the just-ended Rio 2016 Paralympics with N18 million.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Honourable Ayo Omidiran, who said the Paralympians deserved to be celebrated by all Nigerians and the esteemed house for their exploits.
The former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member, Omidiran, while raising the motion said each lawmaker is expected to donate N50,000 for the cash gift to the Paralympians who came back from Brazil with eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
The house also resolved to honour the special athletes who made Nigeria to finish 17th in the world and best team in Africa at the Rio 2016, with a special plenary session as also suggested by Alhaja Omidiran in addition to the cash gift.
The women’s football protagonist noted that the performance of Team Nigeria at the Games was commendable and a demonstration of ability in disability adding that “we just have to appreciate their indomitable spirit”.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House committee on Sports, Honourable Goni Bukar also acknowledged that the performance of Team Nigeria at Rio 2016 was outstanding, just as he urged other Nigerian athletes to replicate it in subsequent competitions.
The Nigerian gold medalists at the Games were Ezuruike Roland (Powerlifting Men’s -54kg), Kehinde Paul (Powerlifting Men’s -65kg), Ejike Lucy (Powerlifting Women -61kg), Onye Lauritta (Athletics Women’s Shot Put –F40), Nwosu Ndidi (Powerlifting Women’s -73kg), Omolayo Bose (Powerlifting Women’s -79kg), Ugwunwa Flora (Athletics Women’s Javelin Throw –F53/54). Orji Josephine (Powerlifting Women’s +86kg).
The duo of Tijani Latifat (Powerlifting Women’s -45kg), Oyema Esther (Powerlifting Women’s -55kg) won silver medals, while Innocent Nnamdi (Powerlifting Men’s -72kg) and Iyiazi Eucharia (Athletics Women’s Discus Throw –F56/57) won the two bronze medals.
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