The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has hailed Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their performance in the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games taking place in Paris, France.
Kingibe said that despite a 74-88 quarter-final loss to the USA, D’Tigress’ performance in the face of adversity represents Nigerians’ collective unyielding spirit.
“Your fearless and gallant performance in the face of adversity represents our collective unyielding spirit. Your rise like phoenixes in the 4th quarter against the wealthiest and most heavily invested team was a master class in resilience,” she said.
While celebrating the D’Tigress, Kingibe emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, citing the National Arts Theatre in Lagos as a symbol of the nation’s rich history and creative expression.
She said, “The National Arts Theatre in Lagos hosted FESTAC ’77, one of Africa’s largest art, culture, and music festivals, and every aspect of this iconic building should reflect that legacy. In the basement of the National Arts Theatre is a treasure trove of artistic expression worth billions of naira, with art pieces that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of our beloved nation.”
The senator called on the creative economy and tourism sectors to document, preserve, and protect the artifacts for the unborn generation.
She, therefore, asked for all hands on deck to promote cultural heritage, support artists, and sports people, and unlock the full potential of the nation’s creative economy.
“We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to preserve and celebrate our rich cultural legacy, just as we celebrate the achievements of our sheroes. Together, we can build a great future that honors our past and inspires our future,” she added.
