Ten of Nigeria’s most promising young athletes received a major boost to their ambitions after Parallex Bank honoured each of them with N1 million for their standout efforts at the 2025 National Youth Games, where Team Lagos finished top overall for the first time in the event’s history.
The awards ceremony took place at the headquarters of Parallex Bank in Lagos and gathered the athletes, their families, officials from the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), senior bank executives and other key stakeholders, all celebrating a partnership aimed at strengthening youth development through sport.
The recipients, who represented Lagos at the Under-15 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, were chosen for their medal-winning performances. Among those recognised were gymnast Stephanie Onusiriuka; swimmers Dumuje Aidan, Ibidapo Tofunmi, Hafsat Kazeem, Mariam Mohammed and Megbodofo Teminijesu; as well as Timilehin Olaiya. Also honoured were cyclist Ashiru Ibrahim, hard-of-hearing athlete Fabowale Akorede, and tennis player Emmanuel Bright, with their collective results helping Lagos claim the overall championship.
Presenting the awards, Parallex Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Olufemi Bakre described the move as a commitment to the future of Nigeria’s next generation of champions, rather than a celebration of past achievements.
“It’s not only about celebrating medals today—it’s about celebrating excellence,” Bakre said. “We believe that supporting young people is one of the most effective ways to shape what comes next. Our mission is to open limitless possibilities, and that is why we are giving one million naira to each of these exceptional athletes as a mark of appreciation for their effort, discipline and dedication.”
He added that the initiative underlines the bank’s belief in recognising excellence early and consistently. “This is more than a reward. It is an investment in their future and a signal that excellence is never overlooked. To our young champions, today is not the end of your journey. It is the start of something even bigger. Keep dreaming, keep working hard, and keep inspiring your generation.”
Bakre also praised the Lagos State Sports Commission for fostering an environment where young competitors can flourish, saying the bank was proud to collaborate with the Commission in helping develop the next wave of champions.
For the Lagos State Sports Commission, the recognition is about more than direct financial assistance for standout performers. It also reinforces the Commission’s plan to build a sustainable sports framework—one that spots talent early, offers organised development routes and creates chances for young athletes to compete and succeed at national and international levels.
LSSC Director General Mr. Lekan Fatodu described the partnership with Parallex Bank as a strong example of meaningful cooperation between government and private organisations.
“This stands out as a top-tier case of corporate social responsibility because it centres on building human potential,” Fatodu said. “It helps young people realise their limitless possibilities while strengthening the qualities of discipline, excellence and resilience that sport teaches.”
Fatodu further noted that the Commission’s approach matches international best practice by reinforcing a pathway from grassroots participation to top-level performance.
“When Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assigned us this responsibility, the direction was clear,” Fatodu said. “Put in place a sustainable system for sports development, create opportunities for young people, and work with organisations whose values align with that goal. In 2025, we brought more than 400 young athletes to the National Youth Games, and for the first time in the competition’s history, Lagos won the overall title. That result shows what can be achieved when policy, planning and partnerships move together.”
The occasion also offered parents a platform to recognise the confidence growing within Lagos’ sports development drive.
Speaking for the parents, Mrs. Timilehin Olaiya said the gesture carries a clear message to young athletes that their sacrifices are valued beyond the sports arena.
“My son told me he was thrilled that organisations outside sport are recognising the sacrifices athletes make,” she said. “That tells you how much this means to these children. Thank you for nurturing talent and building a legacy that will last beyond this generation.”
The initiative reflects the growing involvement of the private sector in complementing government spending on youth and sports development. Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Lagos has expanded grassroots sports programmes, increased school-based sports participation and refocused the Lagos State Sports Commission on athlete development, institutional partnerships and sustainable talent pipelines.
Overall, the collaboration between Parallex Bank and the Lagos State Sports Commission provides a practical illustration of how corporate funding and public policy can align to create lasting opportunities for young people.
