Assembly Rewards Paralympic Medalist

The Imo State House of Assembly has rewarded an indigene of
the state, Loveline Obiji, who won a gold medal at the London 2012 Paralympic
Games with N500,000.

Obaji, a physically challenged person won a gold medal in
82.50kg Powerlifting event at the Games.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Benjamin Uwajumogu, donated the
money last week at the Assembly Complex where she was formally received by the
lawmakers.

Uwajumogu said Obiji’s victory did not only make the state
proud but the entire country, adding that it came when Nigerians nearly lost
hope of winning a gold medal at the Games.

The speaker described Obiji as a living hero and a legend of
our time who would always be celebrated by Imo indigenes.

The State governor, Rochas Okorocha had earlier offered her
a Toyota saloon car and a plot of land in Owerri for winning the medal.

Uwajumogu assured Obiji of the willingness of the House to
support her in the future.

In her reaction, Obiji said the victory was made possible
due to her personal effort.

She noted that her disability was never a barrier to
achieving success, assuring the people of her willingness to win more gold
medals for the country.

She said that opportunity should be given to those who were
qualified to represent Nigeria in global competitions.

According to her, Nigerian athletes faced the problem of
tribalism and nepotism in global competitions, especially those who came from
unpopular background.

She commended Mr Samuel Anyanwu, a member representing
Ikeduru State Constituency for his financial support and encouragement before
the London Games.