BY GRACE ANYANWU, ABUJA – The First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari has the 2020 world para-powerlifting world cup being hosted in Abuja, Nigeria early next year will be an enormous task, with para-lifters coming from Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Mrs Buhari, who stated this while unveiling athletes that will compete in the 2020 world para-powerlifting world cup being hosted in Abuja, Nigeria and the mascot and logo of the competition, at an event which took place at the State House on Wednesday, October 17, 2019, charged the organizers to put all hands on deck for the ultimate success of the event.
Mrs Buhari, who was represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, said that 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 said that as an advocate for women, children and vulnerable groups, she will continue to champion their cause with all her strength.
Mrs Buhari further said; “Every cloud has a silver lining, which means every challenge can be turned into a blessing provided there is the 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 and therefore expressed gratitude to the Federation for naming the event after her and giving her the privilege of being host to the championships.
In her address, the President of the Nigeria Para Power Lifting Federation, Mrs. Queen Uboh said the choice of the First Lady to host the event is deliberate, owing to her commitment to the cause of the vulnerable Nigerians.
Uboh said most of the team members are also female and will get inspired by her involvement, adding that as a result of the respect which Nigeria has in the world of para-lifting, the country has secured approval to host the global event for the next three years.
She noted that Nigeria will be in the eye of the world and will benefit as a result and therefore 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, adding that 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.
