Enoh pledges equal treatment for Paralympians, Olympians

Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, says the ministry is committed to giving the same treatment to para-athletes who represented Nigeria at the just-concluded Paralympics in Paris as their counterparts who competed at the Olympics.

The 2024 Paralympics were brought to a close on Sunday, with Nigeria finishing the Games with seven medals, consisting of two gold, three silver, and two bronze.

It was a decline compared to the country’s haul of 10 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games, but perhaps far from disappointing for Enoh, who had excused the failure of Nigeria’s contingent to the Paris Olympics.

When asked if the ministry was planning more support for the athletes, Enoh was unequivocal after watching Onyinyechi Mark win para-powerlifting gold last Friday.

“As a ministry, that is what we are always doing; it’s from the fact they have always given us more medals. I think they are a group of people who should be supported and assisted more, which is why everything this ministry has done is to make sure they are treated equally with their counterparts that were at the Olympics,” Enoh told Nigerian journalist Austin Okon-Akpan in Paris.

In another statement, Enoh stressed the importance of investment in athletes.

“As we close this chapter of the Paralympic Games, we are reminded of the importance of investing in our athletes. Their success motivates us to do more in providing the necessary resources and support for their continued growth and achievements.”

Meanwhile, the Paralympic Committee Nigeria announced cash rewards for the athletes before the end of the Games.

Gold medallists Mark and Folashade Oluwafemiayo will pocket $1500 each, silver medallists Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Esther Nworgu will get $1000 each, while bronze medallists Isau Ogunkunle and Eniola Bolaji pocketed $500 each.

PCN president, Sunday Odebode, said each member of the 24-man contingent who did not win a medal along with their officials would get $100 each, while the technical crew received $1000.

Although Nigeria didn’t win any medals at the Olympics, the promised cash for the gold medal was $5000, $3000 for silver, and $2000 for bronze.