Parallex Bank has rewarded ten young athletes from Team Lagos with N1 million each following their outstanding performance at the 2025 National Youth Games, where Lagos emerged overall champions for the first time in the competition’s history.

The reward presentation took place at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos and brought together athletes, parents, officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), and stakeholders in sports development.

The beneficiaries, all Under-15 athletes who represented Lagos in Asaba, Delta State, were recognised for their exceptional medal-winning performances across different sports.

They include 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.Their combined efforts contributed significantly to Lagos securing the overall championship title for the first time.

The Managing Director and CEO of Parallex Bank, Olufemi Bakre, said the initiative is not just a reward but an investment in the future of young Nigerian athletes.He explained that the bank aims to support excellence early and consistently, encouraging the athletes to keep striving for greatness.He also praised the Lagos State Sports Commission for creating an enabling environment for talent development.Officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission described the partnership as a strong example of public-private collaboration in youth development.

The Director General, Lekan Fatodu, noted that the achievement reflects Lagos’ long-term strategy to build a sustainable sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels.Parents of the athletes also expressed appreciation, saying the recognition motivates young sports talents and validates their sacrifices.

The initiative highlights increasing private sector involvement in sports development in Nigeria, especially in supporting youth programmes and complementing government efforts in nurturing future champions.