Bose Omolayo
Ibusa’s Daughter, Global Champion: How Bose Omolayo’s Powerlifting Legacy Made Our People Proud
By Emeka Esogbue
From Seme-border town hairdresser to Nigerian paralympic stardom, her story changed. From Ibusa to the world stage, Bose Omolayo, the Paralympic powerlifter, has put the Ibusa community on the global map once again. However, many from the community are unaware that she is one of their own.
Omolayo’s powerlifting success has announced the human capacity of Anioma to the world, showcasing the region’s potential. Against all odds, she lifted Ibusa to the world stage at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, winning a silver medal in the women’s 79kg powerlifting event. Her incredible lift of 145kg secured her country a place on the world medal table.
Omolayo has a rich history of championships, having previously won two gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. She also won silver medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2022 women’s heavyweight event. In 2021, she won the gold medal and set a new world record of 144kg at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Despite her achievements, the question remains: how well do her Ibusa people know the ‘Paralympic Powerlifting Queen of Medals’? PEN MASTER reached out to community personalities, including Mr. Philip Elueme, former Ibusa Community Development Union, Abuja Branch who was unaware that Omolayo was from Ibusa despite his earlier eulogy of her feat. Ifeanyi Ayaeze, a sports commentator, expressed surprise and asked why the Ibusa Community Development Union had not honored her.
In contrast, Joseph Nwanze recognized Omolayo’s Ibusa ancestry and inquired about plans to honour her. Contacted by PEN MASTER, Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh affirmed the pride of the Ibusa people for their daughters.
Given her emotional account of being rejected due to her paralytic condition in a BBC Sport interview, recognition and honour from the Ibusa community could potentially bring closure and healing to her past wounds. A renewed Ibusa community love could have a therapeutic effect on Bose Omolayo, helping to heal the emotional wounds of her past experiences but it will depend on the people’s hands of hospitality.
Born on February 1, 1989, to the Adiefe family of Umuodafe in Ibusa, Delta State, it is hoped that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will receive the Paralympians and confer national awards on them. PEN MASTER has arranged an exclusive interview with Bose Omolayo, who brought Ibusa community pride and global recognition.
Congratulations to Bose Omolayo, the Anioma girl from Ibusa!
