by Tajudeen Amodu
Nigerian Para-powerlifter to Nur-Sultan {formerly Astana}, Kazakhstan, Olaitan Ibrahim has dedicated the silver medal she won at the 2019 World Para-powerlifting Senior Championship to the Governor, State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola for his support to sports council and sports development in the state.
The Oba-Ile, State of Osun born athlete remained the world’s second best para-powerlifter in 67kg category as she narrowly lost to the Chinese world’s number one Guo Lingling , at the event where about 76 countries across the globe participated.
Speaking with osbcnews from Kazakhstan, Olaitan said although she was happy to retain her position as the 2nd best in the world, but she wasn’t satisfied with the result as her target was to coast home the gold medal, based on the encouragement from the Para-powerlifting Federation, support from the Osun Government and the Sports Council as well as severe training from her coaches.
“I thank God for the silver medal even though I prepared and trained for Gold. It’s a honour to maintain the status quo but I will strive hard next time to clinch the gold medal.”
“As for the silver, I dedicate it to the my Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola for his victory at the Supreme Court recently and for being in support of sports development in Osun”, added Olaitan.
In their separate reactions to the feat, Supervisor for Sports in Osun, Comrade Biyi Odunlade and the General Manager of the Sports Council, Mrs Lola Oluokun, who spoke through the Director, Coaching and Training, Mr Ademola Daini urged other Osun athletes to emulate Olaitan, who has been consistent in winning medals for Nigeria at international events.
Comrade Odunlade assured that the State government would not relent in its efforts at promoting all games, promising that more athletes form the state shall burst into limelight in the upcoming National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State.
It would be recalled that Olaitan Ibrahim won a silver medal last year in Mexico and she recently coasted home a gold medal at the World Para-powerlifting Championship hosted by Nigeria.