Parallex Bank Rewards Lagos U-15 Athletes with N1m Each

'Today is not just about celebrating medals. It is about celebrating excellence.'

• Olufemi Bakre, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Parallex Bank

You've probably heard of Lagos State's impressive win at the 2025 National Youth Games, where they dethroned hosts Delta State and secured 110 medals. But have you wondered who exactly made this victory possible? Let's take a closer look.

Lagos State's athletes, aged between 12 and 15, put their hearts on the line, and their efforts paid off in the most spectacular way. Among the top performers were 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. These talented young Nigerians won the hearts of their coaches, their families, and, most importantly, Parallex Bank.

The bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olufemi Bakre, presented the awards at the bank's headquarters in Lagos. He praised the athletes for their hard work and resilience, saying, 'We believe that investing in young people is one of the best ways to shape their future.' Bakre also stated that the initiative is an investment in the future of Nigeria's next generation of champions. The athletes were thrilled to receive the recognition, with some of their parents speaking up to express their gratitude.

The Lagos State Sports Commission's Director General, Lekan Fatodu, attended the event and hailed the partnership as a model for collaboration between the public and private sectors. He emphasized that corporate organisations can contribute meaningfully to youth development through sports. Fatodu also highlighted the success of the commission's grassroots development strategy, which has yielded impressive results.

For the athletes' parents, the recognition has not only boosted their children's confidence but also shown them that their hard work is valued.

The N1m reward is more than just a token of appreciation for the athletes. It serves as an inspiration to other young Nigerians who may not have the same resources or opportunities. Parallex Bank's gesture is a reminder that excellence never goes unnoticed, and it's an investment in their future.

Parallex Bank's CEO Olufemi Bakre, with his experience spanning over 2 decades, has led the bank to numerous recognitions in corporate social responsibility. He also serves on the board of several educational institutions.

The Lagos State Sports Commission, under the leadership of Director General Lekan Fatodu, has been working tirelessly to promote sports development and talent identification in the state. The commission's efforts have paid off, with impressive results at the National Youth Games.

The National Youth Games is an annual event that brings together states from across Nigeria to compete in various sports. The event serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and compete at the national level.