Granddaughter of former President, Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Olaana Onyejianya, is one of the athletes stealing the show at the 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, winning all shades of medals in the swimming event for Bayelsa State.
On Wednesday, she won gold in 100m backstroke, silver in 50m backstroke and bronze in mixed medley.
“It’s been really good. I’ve hit my personal best and I’m really proud of myself and also everyone that has been supporting me through this journey,” Onyejianya said after completing her events.
Her mother, Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya, a sports lawyer, policy adviser and football club owner, who is also her daughter’s manager, expressed delight at her performance.
“It’s something to be proud of but we have to keep pushing. The kids have all done well and they need to keep breaking those records and keep training,” Agbakoba-Onyejianya.
“I can relate to everything as a parent, as a business person and a lawyer and even from a corporate social responsibility perspective. Sports can be expensive and thanks to the Federal Government and Delta State for making us feel welcome. More needs to be done but I’m happy with what I’ve seen,” she added.
Onyejianya started swimming at age six with the full support of her parents and grandparents and has been training under the stable of Team Bayelsa for the past four years.