Lagos State’s rising generation of sporting talents, who played a decisive role in securing a historic victory at the 2025 National Youth Games, have been handed a major financial reward after Parallex Bank honoured 10 outstanding athletes with ₦1 million each in recognition of their performances.
The gesture was formalised at a recognition ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, where stakeholders, parents, and the celebrated young athletes gathered to mark Team Lagos’ breakthrough achievement at the national competition. Their efforts helped the state clinch its first-ever overall title at the Games, a milestone widely regarded as a turning point for grassroots sports development in Lagos.
Beyond celebrating medals, the initiative also reflected the bank’s broader commitment to nurturing youth potential and strengthening grassroots sports systems. By rewarding each selected athlete with a ₦1 million cash prize, Parallex Bank positioned the intervention as both a celebration of excellence and a deliberate investment in the next generation of Nigerian sports champions.
Team Lagos delivered a dominant outing at the ninth edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, finishing ahead of hosts Delta State with a remarkable 110-medal haul—52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze—cementing a new chapter in the state’s grassroots sporting history.
The awardees cut across multiple disciplines and included 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.
For Parallex Bank, the gesture was framed not merely as a reward but as a deliberate investment in nurturing future champions.
“Today is not just about celebrating medals. It is about celebrating excellence,” said Olufemi Bakre, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Parallex Bank.
He added that the bank’s youth-focused intervention reflects its broader mission of enabling opportunities through early support for talent development.
“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.”
“This gesture is beyond a reward. It is an investment in their future and a reminder that excellence never goes unnoticed. To our young champions, today is not your final destination. It is the beginning of an even greater journey. Continue to dream boldly, continue to work hard and continue to inspire your generation.”
The Lagos State sports leadership also used the occasion to highlight the broader impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports.
Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as a strong example of how public institutions and corporate organisations can work together to build youth capacity through sports development.
“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,” Fatodu said.
He linked the achievement to the state’s broader sports development strategy under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting that deliberate planning and grassroots investment were central to Lagos’ success.
“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.”
For the families of the athletes, the recognition carried emotional weight as well as financial relief.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs Timilehin Olaiya praised both the bank and the state sports commission, saying the acknowledgement validated the sacrifices made behind the scenes.
“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,” she said.
The reward scheme underscores a growing trend in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem where private-sector players are increasingly stepping in to complement government efforts in identifying and supporting young talent—particularly at the grassroots level where future national champions are often shaped.