By Seun Adams
The First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, on Friday unveiled the mascot and logo for the forthcoming para-power lifting athletic competition scheduled to hold in Abuja in 2020.
She predicts that the 2020 championship will exert enormous task on Nigeria because of the athletes being expected from across the world.
She however charged the organizers to put all hands on deck to make the event a huge success.
Aisha Buhari was represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo.
Mrs. Buhari noted that the unveiling remains a source of revenue for retired athletes with a call for the patronage to avoid the athletes retiring into abject poverty.
She vowed that “As an advocate for women, children and vulnerable groups, I will continue to champion their cause with all my strength, she added.
“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.
The president of the Para Power Lifting Federation, in her remark 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 explained that 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.
The Competition Manager, International Para Powerlifting Federation, Mr. Sam Munkley, noted the respect Nigeria has earned over the years because of the medals she has won in past event.
He said this necessitated the approval for hosting rights for the three years.