The Head Coach of Ogun State and Team Nigeria Para-Powerlifting, Mrs Oluwakemi Oyebola has said she was extremely excited when Latifat Tijani won gold in the women’s 45kg event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. In this interview with Trust Sports, the Paralympian explained how Latifat joined powerlifting in 2004, the road to success at Tokyo Paralympics, the different problems being faced by physically challenged athletes in Nigeria and the need for parents to allow their children who have physical challenges to take part in sports.
You were head of the para-powerlifting coaching crew at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. How would you describe your experience at the world’s biggest games?
I will say it was amazing and there are no words for me to explain my feelings. So all I can say is that it was a nice experience. We really enjoyed ourselves and did our best to make Nigerians proud. Although we wanted to win more medals for the country, our preparations were hampered by the outbreak of COVID-19. So that was the best we could get for the country. It was fun all through.
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Latifat Tijani won a gold medal. As the coach who groomed her, how happy were you with her achievement?
Well, I thank God almighty for making it possible for Latifat to win a gold medal in her event. As a matter of fact, she was the first to win a medal for Nigeria at the games. So it was double joy for me. She is my own athlete from Ogun State and she delivered at the world stage in style. Don’t forget she had won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. She really made me proud. I am super proud of Latifat and all my athletes. The sky is their limit.
How long have you been coaching her?
She has been with me for over 15 years now. Before she joined powerlifting, she was playing para-table tennis for Ogun State. However, she joined us in 2004 for the National Sports Festival in Abuja where she won a silver medal. She approached me and I encouraged her to leave para-table tennis because I saw that she has great potential in powerlifting. Till now, I am her mentor. She is someone who is determined and committed to anything she sets out to do. As a matter of fact, she is also inspired by my achievements. She believes if I can do it as a woman, she too can do it. I introduced her to powerlifting and today, by the special grace of God, she is a Paralympics champion.
Would you say the government has adequately rewarded the athletes who won medals for Nigeria at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics?
Considering that things are no longer easy with any nation, including the citizens, we appreciate the government. They have done their best. I am also aware that they are planning something good for us. They are said to be working on it so we are waiting patiently.
What is your plan towards the next Paralympics in Paris, in 2024?
By the grace of God, next month, we are starting our preparations for the 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris, France. As we camp, we would be attending international competitions. As a matter of fact, we have one that is going to be held in November 2021.
How satisfied are you with the support that you usually get whenever you are camping for major championships?
I think we had adequate preparation for the Tokyo Paralympics. Like I said earlier, things are so difficult now so one has to appreciate whatever support that is given. For the Tokyo Paralympics, we stayed in camp for nearly three months. We had three square meals and were paid allowances for the number of days we spent in camp.
What is your message to people with physical disabilities who would want to venture into this type of sport?
What I can say is that I don’t see the opportunity they don’t have. Anything you want to do, don’t begin to look at the monetary benefits first. I introduced the game to someone last week, the first question she asked me was ‘how much will I be paid’? It doesn’t start from there. You must have the interest and commitment before you can talk of money. So, I will just encourage them and implore them to think ahead. They should look at what they want to do first. Definitely the money will come. And to many of our parents who are still keeping their physically challenged children at home, I say locking them at home is not the best. They should release them to take part in sporting activities of their choice. That is why I like talking about it. I like showcasing myself as an example to the glory of God.
Are you satisfied with the attention being paid to people with physical disabilities in Nigeria?
If we are to be honest, it is not good at all. The way they treat us is not encouraging. Whenever we are travelling and we have to take a commercial vehicle, could you believe they charge money for our wheelchairs? It is funny, that is why at times what we spend is more than what the able bodied athletes spend because if I am to pay for my seat and my wheelchair, I will definitely incur extra cost. I will just implore society to embrace and encourage us. They shouldn’t look at us as useless to society. No, I will challenge you and if I can challenge you as an able bodied person, then stop seeing me as a disabled person. We are only physically challenged. And nobody should forget that there is ability in disability.
