Parallex Bank splashes cash on Lagos U-15 athletes

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Parallex Bank has rewarded 10 of Lagos State’s standout athletes from the 2025 National Youth Games with N1m each, recognising their contributions to the state’s historic triumph at the competition, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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Team Lagos shone at the ninth National Youth Games in Asaba, dethroning hosts Delta State by winning 110 medals comprising 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals.

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The presentation ceremony, held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, celebrated the young athletes whose medal-winning performances powered Team Lagos to its first-ever overall title at the National Youth Games.

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The beneficiaries 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.

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

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“Today is not just about celebrating medals. It is about celebrating excellence,” Bakre said.

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“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.”

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He added that the initiative reflects the bank’s belief that excellence should be recognised from an early stage.

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“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.”

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Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, hailed the partnership as a model for collaboration between the public and private sectors, saying it demonstrates how corporate organisations can contribute meaningfully to youth development through sports.

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“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.

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He added that the commission’s grassroots development strategy has continued to yield results.

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“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.”

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Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs Timilehin Olaiya expressed appreciation to Parallex Bank and the Lagos State Sports Commission, noting that the recognition had boosted the confidence of the young athletes.

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“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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