First Lady Aisha Buhari
First Lady Aisha Buhari
Aisha Buhari Flag-off 2020 World Para Power -Lifting
Competition
First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria 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
State House on Wednesday, 17th October, 2019.
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, and 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.
Suleiman Haruna
Office of First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House
Abuja