By Ngozi Nwankwo
Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Gufwan has lauded Nigeria’s Paralympian, Onyinyechi Mark who has set a new world record in the women’s 61kg para powerlifting to win Nigeria first gold medal at Paris Paralympic Games at the ongoing Paralympics games in Paris, France..
In a brief interview with Newsmen on Saturday, 7th September, 2024 in Abuja, the ES said that Onyiechi’s attainment is a victory for the generality of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“lifting a 150kg in the 61kg Women’s Power lifting Category to beat her close opponent Chinese Cui Jianjin who lifted 140kg to clinch the silver medal is a triumph and a thing of pride for all the 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities, her singular feat has proven the popular saying of ability in disability” the ES said.
Gufwan further enjoined the athletes to use the high momentum and the victorious spirits and feelings in the camp to aim for more victory and win more laurels for Nigeria.
However, this victory has brought Nigerian medals to 3 with a total of one gold, one silver and one bronze won at different times and events and categories.
It must be noted that Nigeria Para athletes have consistently remained a dominant force in their games and have never disappointed in any of their outings.