Parallex Bank has given N1 million each to 10 top athletes from Lagos State who did well at the 2025 National Youth Games. This is to appreciate their role in helping the state win big at the event, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Team Lagos performed excellently at the ninth National Youth Games in Asaba. They took the overall title from Delta State, winning a total of 110 medals. This included 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals.
The award ceremony took place at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos. It celebrated the young athletes whose impressive performances led Team Lagos to its first overall title at the National Youth Games.
The athletes who received the awards are 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.
Parallex Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olufemi Bakre, said this cash reward is not just for their past achievements. He sees it as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s young champions.
“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.”
Bakre also said this initiative shows the bank's belief that we should recognize excellence from a young age. “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.”
Lekan Fatodu, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, praised this partnership. He said it shows how private companies can help with youth development through sports. “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 added that the commission’s grassroots development strategy is paying off. “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 shows what is possible when policy, planning, and partnerships come together.”
Mrs. Timilehin Olaiya spoke for the parents and thanked Parallex Bank and the Lagos State Sports Commission. She said this recognition has boosted the young athletes' confidence. “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.
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