The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant increase in the bonuses for the nation’s Paralympic athletes who will be competing in the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
The decision, which aims to reward and motivate the athletes, represents a sharp contrast to the bonuses given to Olympians earlier this year.
In a statement released by Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Press in the Ministry of Sports Development, the government confirmed that Paralympic medalists will receive considerably higher rewards than their Olympic counterparts.
Gold medalists will now earn $15,000, silver medalists $10,000, and bronze medalists $5,000.
This is a substantial increase from the $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 bonuses that were awarded to Nigerian athletes who won medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, announced the improved bonus structure during a recent visit to the Nigerian Paralympic team at their training camp in Saarbrucken, Germany.
Enoh praised the athletes for their dedication, commitment, and the sacrifices they have made to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
“The increase in the bonuses is a reflection of the Federal Government’s recognition and appreciation of the hard work and determination shown by our Paralympians,” Enoh said.
“We want to ensure that these athletes, who have consistently brought glory to Nigeria, feel valued and motivated to continue their remarkable performances.”
The decision to increase the bonuses also aligns with the government’s broader efforts to encourage and support the development of sports in Nigeria, particularly for athletes with disabilities.
The minister highlighted that Paralympians have consistently been a source of pride for the nation, often outperforming their able-bodied counterparts in international competitions.
During his visit to the training camp, Enoh emphasized that the enhanced bonuses should serve as a morale booster for the athletes.
He urged them to use this gesture as motivation to surpass the achievements of Team Nigeria’s performance at the recent Olympic Games, where the country struggled to make a significant impact.
“The country is not in a happy mood, and I need all of you to see yourselves as the people who can bring back joy to Nigeria,” Enoh told the athletes. He further stressed that the nation’s hopes are now pinned on the Paralympic team to restore pride and bring home numerous medals from Paris.
Nigeria’s Paralympians have a long history of success, particularly in track and field events and powerlifting, where they have consistently won medals in past Paralympic Games.
The Paralympic Games have always been a significant event for Nigeria, a country that has consistently punched above its weight in these competitions.
Nigerian Paralympians have brought home a total of 70 medals, including 36 gold medals, since the country first participated in the Paralympic Games in 1992.
This impressive medal haul contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s performance at the Olympic Games, where the country has won 25 medals in total since its debut in 1952.
The success of Nigeria’s Paralympians has been particularly notable in powerlifting, where athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have dominated the global stage.
