Enugu State has emerged champions of the 3rd National Para Games, clinching the overall title with 40 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals. The event concluded on Friday at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where top government officials attended the closing ceremony. Among those present were Nana Kashim Shetima, representing First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of State Education Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and H.E Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the athletes for their discipline, focus and resilience, stating that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR remains committed to creating opportunities for them. "I celebrate and commend the athletes for their participation at this competition. For those who have won medals and those who did not win, you all are worthy winners and Champions," she said. She also commended Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, for the successful organisation of the games.
Dikko affirmed that para athletes would remain a priority in the commission's programmes and credited President Tinubu for elevating sports in national priorities. Bayelsa finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver and 34 bronze, while Edo came third with 25 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze. Rivers and Lagos placed fourth and fifth respectively.
Enugu's dominant medal haul—40 golds—exposes how uneven the development of para sports remains across states. While the First Lady's praise was warm, real impact depends on whether funding and training access expand beyond pockets of excellence. For most para athletes in poorer states, talent still outweighs opportunity.
