It was a rousing reception for the national powerlifting coach, Kemi Oyebola, and her athlete, Latifat Tijani for their golden performances at the just concluded Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Coach Oyebola, an indigene of the Gateway State led the Team Nigeria Para-Powerlifting to a resounding golden success at the powerlifting events, whereby they won three gold, one silver and two bronze, totaling six medals at the games.
Similarly, the Ogun born athlete, Latifat won the Nigeria first gold medal in the 45kg class to add to her gold medal she won at the World Powerlifting Championship held in Manchester, United Kingdom in March.
The grand reception was organised by the Ogun State Para-Powerlifting Association chaired by Deacon Gbolahan Eweje was in appreciating the state born coach and athlete for their feats and making the state proud at the games.
Moved by their successes, the para-powerlifting boss stated that he mobilized other members of the association, powerlifters and other athletes to welcome them back to the Gateway State after many weeks they had left to honour the national calls.
“The reception which started from Sagamu interchange in Obafemi Owode Local Government, the TRACE officers were on ground to control the traffic as the celebration train moved to Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
“On arrival, Governor Dapo Abiodun was holding security meeting, that prevented him from receiving the team who was there to say thank you for his support in sports development in Ogun, while we moved to meet the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Hon. Oludare Kehinde, who was said to have travelled to Sagamu for an official assignment.
“It was then that the party train moved to the sports council at Ijeja to the admiration of other athletes and officials on ground as well as moving round various streets in the metropolis.
“In fact, it was a great event, and a remarkable way to honour our own, proud daughters of Ogun for their selfless services to the country at the paralympic games in Tokyo.”
