The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, has described the podium finish of powerlifter Esther Nworgu as heartwarming and uplifting, coming at a time when the country is still reeling from the disappointment at the Olympic Games.
Enoh said in a statement on Wednesday signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Diana Mary-Nsan, that “the nation is grateful to you for your patriotism, hard work, and for showcasing the resilient Nigerian spirit.”
The statement said: “The news of Esther Ogechi Nworgu, one of our athletes, winning a silver medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris is indeed heartwarming, historic, and inspiring.
“Ms. Esther Ogechi Nworgu clinched the silver medal in women’s up to 41 kg power lifting and, in doing so, set two new Paralympic records with her last two attempts at the coveted gold medal.
“She was eventually defeated by China’s Zhe Cui, who set a new PR record of 119 kg.
“It is with immense pride that I, on behalf of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and sports-loving Nigerians, congratulate Ogechi Nworgu for her silver-winning heroics at the Paralympic Games.
“This well-deserved victory, coming at a time when our country is still reeling under the disappointment of the Olympic Games, is not only heartwarming but uplifting.
“Thank you, Ogechi Nworgu, for lifting the Nigerian spirit from the agony of our recent disappointment. The nation is grateful to you for your patriotism, hard work, and showcasing the resilient Nigerian spirit.
“Your outstanding performance and the performance of Mariam Eniola Bolaji, who had earlier clinched our country’s first medal and created history in the process for herself, our country, and the African continent, being the first African player, male or female, to win a badminton medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games, remain a source of pride and inspiration.”
He added: “My sincere hope is that your performance will inspire our other athletes yet to compete in their various sports to strive for gold and, by so doing, secure a prominent place for themselves in the annals of Nigeria’s sports immortals.
“The government and people of Nigeria are solidly behind all of you as you go for Paralympic laurels. Once again, thank you, Esther Ogechi Nworgu, for making us proud and for lifting the spirit of the nation.”
Leave a comment