Team Nigeria Paralympians awarded N18m by Reps

Each member of the House of Representatives has resolved to each pay a sum of N50,000 to Team Nigeria Paralympians following their successful performance at the just concluded Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

According to the Vanguard, the Reps were pleased with the performance of the Paralympians at the games where they won eight gold medals.

The total sum to be donated to the team amounts to N18m. The resolution followed a motion on matters of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Ayo Omidiran (APC, Osun) on Wednesday. Omidiran urged the Reps to look at the manner in which the Paralypians overcame  enormous physical, psychological and financial challenges to emerge successful.

The lawmaker said: “Since the 7th Assembly, I have been at the forefront of appreciating our sports men and women whenever they go out and do well. Before the Rio 2016 Paralympics, there was the main Olympic event where our Team Nigeria made up of able bodied men and women participated and won just a bronze medal in football. “But to the delight and surprise of everybody, they performed far better than their ablebodied counterpart as they won 12 medals comprising 8 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze. “They emerged the best African nation at the Paralympics games. And based on this sheer display of patriotism, determination and commitment, I urge us to appreciate them by donating 50,000 naira each.”

The motion was unanimously approved via a voice vote after it was put to question by the presiding Speaker, Yakubu Dogara. The Team Nigeria Paralympics won a Nigerian-record 8 gold medals at the Rio Paralympic Games alongside two silver and two bronze medals. The team also set six new world records in the process.