Ten of Nigeria’s brightest young sporting talents, who represent Team Lagos at the 2025 edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State have received a revitalising motivation in their pursuit of excellence after Parallex Bank rewarded each of them with N1 million in recognition of their outstanding performances at the Games.

Team Lagos finished top on the medals table at Asaba 2025 NYG. It was the first time Lagos emerged overall champions in the history of the competition.

The presentation ceremony, held at the headquarters of Parallex Bank in Lagos, brought together athletes, parents, officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), executives of the bank and other stakeholders to celebrate a partnership that is placing greater value on youth development through sports.

The beneficiaries were selected based on their exceptional medal-winning performances. They include gymnast Stephanie Onusiriuka, swimmers Dumuje Aidan, Ibidapo Tofunmi, Hafsat Kazeem, Mariam Mohammed, Megbodofo Teminijesu and Timilehin Olaiya, cyclist Ashiru Ibrahim, hard-of-hearing athlete Fabowale Akorede and tennis player Emmanuel Bright. Their collective exploits helped Lagos secure the overall title.

Presenting the awards, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Parallex Bank, Mr. Olufemi Bakre, described the gesture as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation of champions rather than a reward for past accomplishments.

“Today is not just about celebrating medals. It is about celebrating excellence,” Bakre said. “We believe that investing in young people is one of the best ways to shape their future. Our purpose is to enable limitless possibilities, and that is why we are extending one million naira to each of these outstanding athletes as a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment.”

He added that the initiative reflects the financial institution’s conviction that excellence should be recognised early and consistently.”

Bakre also commended the leadership of the Lagos State Sports Commission for creating an environment where young athletes can thrive, noting that the bank was proud to partner with the Commission in nurturing the next generation of champions.

Director General of the Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership with Parallex Bank as a model for purposeful collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“This is one of the finest examples of corporate social responsibility because it focuses on human capacity development. It helps young people unlock their limitless possibilities while reinforcing the values of discipline, excellence and resilience that sports instils,” he said.

Fatodu noted that the Commission’s approach aligns with international best practices by strengthening the pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance.

“When Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu entrusted us with this responsibility, the mandate was clear. Build a sustainable sports development system, create opportunities for young people and partner with organisations whose values align with that vision. We took over 400 young athletes to the National Youth Games in 2025, and for the first time in the history of the competition, Lagos emerged overall champions. That achievement demonstrates what is possible when policy, planning and partnerships come together.”

The event also provided an opportunity for parents to acknowledge the growing confidence in Lagos’ sports development agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs. Timilehin Olaiya said the recognition sends a powerful message to young athletes that their sacrifices are valued beyond the sporting community.

“My son told me he was excited that organisations outside sports are recognising the sacrifices athletes make. That tells you how much this means to these children. Thank you for nurturing talent and creating a legacy that will outlive this generation.”