Nigeria’s First Lady 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 held at the presidential villa, Abuja, today, October 17.
According to Aisha Buhari, hosting the 2020 championship will be an enormous task, with para-lifters coming from Europe, the Americas and Africa to Abuja.
She called on 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.
Aisha Buhari 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 vowed that as an advocate for women, children and vulnerable groups, she would continue to champion their cause with all her strength.
“Every cloud has a silver lining, which means every challenge can be turned into a blessing.”
She said that the outing of the team over the last 5 years 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.
President of the Nigeria Para Power Lifting Federation, Mrs. Queen Uboh said that the choice of the First Lady to host the event is deliberate, knowing her commitment to the cause of the vulnerable Nigerians.
She said that most of the team members are also female and will get inspired by her involvement.
She said that as a result of the respect which Nigeria has earned in the world of para-lifting, it has able to secured approval to host the global event for the next three year.
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 Chriss Wulff-Ceaser, respectively.
