The First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Buhari, has
unveiled athletes that will compete in the 2020 world
para-powerlifting world cup being hosted in Abuja, Nigeria early next
year.
She also unveiled the mascot and logo of the competition, at an event
which was held at the State House on Wednesday night.
In a statement by her spokesman, Suleiman Haruna, she noted that
hosting the 2020 championship will be an enormous task, with
para-lifters coming from Europe, the Americas and Africa to converge
in Abuja.
The First Lady charged the organizers to put all hands on deck for the
ultimate success of the event.
She was represented at the event by wife of the Vice President, Mrs.
Dolapo Osinbajo.
Mrs. Buhari said unveiling the clothing line is a way to source
revenue for retired athletes and called for patronage “so that they
will not retire into poverty”.
She vowed that “as an advocate for women, children and vulnerable
groups, I will continue to champion their cause with all my strength.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining, which means every challenge can be
turned into a blessing, she said, provided there is will to push for
that positive change.”
The outing of the team over the last 5 years, she noted, has brought
glory to the nation.
She expressed gratitude to the Federation for naming the event after
her and giving her the privilege of being host to the championships.
Mrs. Queen Uboh. President of the Nigeria Para Power Lifting
Federation, in her address, said the choice of the First Lady to host
the event is deliberate, knowing her commitment to the cause of the
vulnerable Nigerians. She said most of the team members are also
female and will get inspired by her involvement.
She said as a result of the respect which Nigeria has in the world of
para-lifting, Nigeria has secured approval to host the global event
for the next three years, saying Nigeria will be in the eye of the
world and will benefit as a result.
She called on Nigerians to support the clothing line initiative which
will usher in a new phase of life for retired athletes.
Others who spoke at the event were the Competition Manager,
International Para Powerlifting Federation, Mr. Sam Munkley, who
voiced the respect Nigeria has earned over the years due to the number
of medals being won. He said this necessitated the approval for
hosting rights for three years.
Sponsors of the event, National Lottery Commission and Wamco Nigeria
Plc., delivered goodwill messages through their Chief Executives, Mr.
Bello Maigari, and Mr. Chriss Wulff-Ceaser, respectively.
