Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has praised Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their remarkable performance at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Despite a 74-88 loss to the USA in the quarter-finals, Kingibe highlighted that D’Tigress' resilience and determination reflect the unyielding spirit of Nigerians. “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 stated.
While celebrating D’Tigress, Kingibe also underscored the significance of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, referencing the National Arts Theatre in Lagos as a symbol of the nation’s rich history and creative expression. She emphasized that the theatre, which hosted FESTAC ’77—one of Africa’s largest art, culture, and music festivals—should continue to reflect this legacy.
"The basement of the National Arts Theatre houses a treasure trove of artistic expression worth billions of naira, featuring art pieces that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of our beloved nation," she added.
Senator Kingibe called on the creative economy and tourism sectors to document, preserve, and protect these cultural artifacts for future generations. She urged everyone to work together to promote cultural heritage, support artists and athletes, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’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,” Kingibe concluded.
