NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

FG pledges commitment to ODF Nigeria by 2030

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By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has pledged commitment to ending open defecation across Nigeria, calling for intensified efforts from all stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Utsev, speaking with newsmen on Friday in Abuja, noted that achieving an open defecation-free status involved more than building toilets.

He said that while huge progress had been made, ensuring access to and proper use of these facilities remained a crucial challenge.

“The challenge is not only the number of toilets available but also raising awareness and encouraging their consistent use.

“This is why we are elevating the campaign to a higher level. The Vice President will lead the relaunch of our strategy in a more impactful way,” he said.

He stated that development partners like UNICEF had made significant contributions by providing toilet facilities, training, and awareness campaigns.

“Our partners do not provide funds directly but support through the supply of toilets and training programmes, their efforts have been invaluable in driving this campaign forward,” he said.

The minister also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to achieving ODF status in Nigeria.

He said since the launch of the campaign in 2019, 135 local government areas and over 30,000 communities had achieved ODF status, with more areas undergoing verification.

According to him, despite these achievements, the road to universal sanitation remains long, especially in underserved and vulnerable communities.

“Ending open defecation is about more than toilets, it’s about improving health, boosting productivity, and enhancing the dignity and safety of our citizens,” the minister emphasised.

Utsev called on the media, private sector, and local communities to join the effort to raise awareness and ensure behavioural change at all levels.

He, however, urged renewed and collective action to achieve a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.

“The campaign remains a critical component of Nigeria’s efforts to improve sanitation and public health, with the 2025 ODF target in sight but requiring sustained momentum to achieve,” he said.

On strategic advocacy efforts, the minister said the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign’ strategy will be relaunched on Nov. 19, coinciding with the World Toilet Day.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the event, which aims to strengthen collaboration among state governors, community leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners.

“We are calling on governors, community leaders, and partners to actively participate in this campaign,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is part of activities marking the 2024 World Toilet Day with the theme: ‘Sanitation for Peace,’ which underscores the significance of toilets as symbols of safety, dignity, and development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Environment

Climate change: Nigeria making progress in energy transition – Onuigbo

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By Uche Anunne

Climate change activist, Sam Onuigbo says Nigeria is making progress in meeting its energy transition efforts.

Onuigbo, who is participating in the ongoing 29th session of the UN Climate Change Conference, CoP29, said this during a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

The conference is taking place in Baku, Baku, Azerbaijan.

Onuigbo, a former federal lawmaker, said the Climate Change Act which he sponsored as a member of House of Representatives and the establishment of National Council on Climate Change Nigeria, laid a solid foundation for climate change actions.

He is also a member, representing South-East, Governing Board, and Chairman Committee on Security, Climate Change, North-East Development Commission.

He said the Act and the Council provide the legal framework and institution for climate change policy implementation.

The former lawmaker said that the Compressed Natural Gas initiative as an alternative for fossil fuel vehicles by the Bola Tinubu`s administration was a bold step towards energy transition.

Onuigbo said the Electricity Act 2023 was a further impetus to providing cleaner energy.

The Act liberalises the nation’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level and empowers states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

The Act also permits private investors to obtain generation, transmission and systems operations licenses.

Onuigbo said CoP29 presented an opportunity for Nigeria to boost investment in climate change initiatives.

According to him, Nigeria’s delegation to the conference will market Nigeria’s climate change market to international investors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Defence/Security

Violent extremism is complex, requires adaptable solutions- UNDP

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By Oladapo Udom

Mr Matthew Alao, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has described violent extremism as a complex, multifaceted problem that requires equally nuanced and adaptable solutions.

Alao said this at the graduation ceremony of 32 participants of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Countering Violent Extremism.

The Countering Violent Extremism Course 5, 2024, which started on Oct. 26 ended on Nov. 8, at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Lagos.

Participants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Togo and Liberia took part in the two-week rigorous training.

The team lead called for collaborated efforts from stakeholders to address the challenge, which he said was taking its toll on humanity in general.

He urged the participants to always remember that countering violent extremism was not solely about security measures or law enforcement.

“It is about addressing root causes, fostering inclusive societies, and offering hope where despair once reigned.

“Your role extends beyond tactical responses; you are now architects of resilient communities and advocates for social justice.

“You will face challenges, setbacks and moments of doubt. However, be hopeful; be optimistic because our struggle is not the struggle of a day or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime,” he said.

Alao expressed confidence in the knowledge and skills the participants had acquired, saying that they were not just academic achievements, but the building blocks of resilient communities and sustainable peace.

“Now, you stand ready to return to your respective countries, organisations, and communities as agents of positive change,” the UNDP representative said.

Alao appreciated the Government of Japan, MLAILPKC, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, and the UNDP for their support which had been instrumental in shaping future leaders.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, in his remarks stressed the need for partnership and collective efforts to eradicate violent extremism in the country.

Mijinyawa commended the seamless collaboration between MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan, through the UNDP, which resulted to the approval and conduct of the course.

According to him, the strategic partnership serves as beacon of international cooperation which needs to be sustained.

He quoted former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as saying that the greatest weapon against extremism is collective action.

“This points to the fact that it is only through partnership and collective efforts that we can eradicate the menace of violent extremism in the world,” he said.

The GOC said that violent extremism had continued to threaten world peace and humanity in general, adding that all stakeholders must unite to counter it by addressing the root causes.

“These include support to education, community engagements and creating economic opportunities.

“The training will help to enhance capacity and equip potential peacekeepers with the requisite expertise to handle threats posed by violent extremism.

“It will also enable them to effectively perform their roles in a multidimensional peacekeeping mission,” he said

One of the participants of the training, Lt.-Col. Thomas Nimele, from the Armed Forces of Liberia, said that the course broadened his knowledge regarding peacekeeping in violent extreme situations.

“The training also gave me insight into the drivers that cause violent extremism and how to use non kinetic measures to win the war.

“Countering violent extremism is a holistic approach involving both government institutions and societal institutions, using non kinetic approach to defeat the ideology of violent extremism,” Nimele said.

Also, Maj. Felix Adongo, from the Ghana Army, said that his take home would be to employ the use of more non kinetic measures in countering the extremist agenda rather than always resulting to force.

“It is important that we tackle this menace from this angle by identifying and getting to the root causes of the extremists ideas and agenda,” Adongo said(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

General News

SDG: NGO trains women’s right organisations 

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By Peter Okolie

Women Environmental Programme (WEP) has trained various women’s rights and grassroots organisations focused on driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

 

Its Deputy Executive Director, Mr John Baaki, said the training, which held on Thursday in Owerri, aimed to strengthen capacities to develop policies and enhance online visibility.

 

 

Baaki said the workshop was part of WEP’s Women Power 2030 project being implemented in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

 

 

“The workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of women and feminist civil society networks and organisations to fight inequalities and advance gender-equal sustainable development.

 

 

“The project also aims to ensure that the SDGs are implemented in a sustainable, just and gender-inclusive manner.

 

 

“Our expectation is for them to function better, be able to attract more funding and better contribute to the fight to end gender inequality,” he added.

 

 

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director, Goodwash Foundation for Health and Environmental Protection, Mr Ikenna Anumnu, lauded WEP, the European Union and Women Power 2030 for organising the workshop.

 

 

Anumnu said the workshop would strengthen organisational policies and visibility, and enhance women’s rights and civil society organisations’ capacity to effectively contribute advocacy to realise the SDGs.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were trained on “Building a strong brand identity for organisations”, “Leveraging digital media for advocacy and awareness” and “Developing relevant policies and processes for organisations.”

 

 

NAN further reports that the participants were drawn from Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Enugu, Delta, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

 

One of the facilitators, Mr Ken Ajio, advised the participants to develop a communication strategy and plan for every project and initiative.

 

 

“Adopt a good communication policy, utilise multiple channels, and provide a feedback mechanism for all your internal and external communications,” he advised.

 

 

A participant and Head of the Legal Unit, Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG), Mrs Nkiruka Obisike, commended the organisers and urged them to sustain the training.

 

 

“I learnt about the procedure for formulating organisational policies and how an organisation is run,” she said.

 

 

WEP is a Nigerian NGO working to address gender injustices on issues relating to the environment and economic and social rights of women and young people.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

General News

Cost of living: UK don seeks sustainable strategies

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By Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigeria needs sustainable strategies by the government and relevant stakeholders to proffer workable solutions to the rising cost of living.

 

Dr Alim Abubakre, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Business School, London, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

 

He said that the high cost of living is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, adding that it is a global challenge countries are facing.

 

“Countries like  the UK have experienced sharp inflationary spikes, Sri Lanka faced severe food shortages, and Argentina continues to endure hyperinflation.

 

“As Nigeria embarks on economic reforms, including the reduction of subsidy payment and the flotation of the Naira, these challenges must be mitigated through innovative strategies across the short, medium, and long term,” Abubakre said.

 

He said that part of the short term strategic solution to the challenge was capacity building for leaders to navigate complex economic landscapes as well as innovative approaches to inflation, unemployment and poverty.

 

Abubakre said that the government’s efforts at providing palliatives for quick relief to challenges encountered from its new policies and programmes is in the right direction.

 

“One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through direct cash transfers. A similar initiative in Nigeria, targeted at the poorest households, will offer immediate relief and help prevent households from slipping into deeper poverty.”

 

He said that temporary tax reductions and reduction of import duties on staple foods and essential products would lead to lower retail prices and ease the burden on consumers.

 

“Another immediate intervention is providing subsidies for public transportation. With transport costs constituting a significant portion of household expenses, subsidies can ease commuting costs.

 

“Proper implementation and funding of the conversion and adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for public transport (should continue) with vigour.

 

“The government should make the kits for conversion cheaper by working directly with manufacturers or, better still, encouraging them to start producing locally.”

 

Abubakre also suggested putting price caps on essential medicines and healthcare services to ensure affordability in the short term.

 

He said the South Africa’s Single Exit Price policy for medicines provided an example of how government intervention can keep healthcare accessible for citizens.

 

He also said that expansion of the school feeding programme of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration and establishing community kitchens would support the most affected populations.

 

“This should be negotiated into Corporate Social Responsibility mandates for corporations. The government should minimise direct involvement in such activities to reduce the risk of corruption.”

 

On the medium term solutions, Abubakre said they include boosting of local production, encouraging small and medium enterprises, investment in public transport infrastructure, supporting renewable energy adoption and provision of affordable housing through public and private sector collaboration.

 

The long term strategies, Abubakre said include strong commitment to diversification of the economy, investment in education and skill development, promoting industrialisation and advancing agricultural technology.(NAN)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Correctional centres will be places of hope- Tunji-Ojo

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says correctional centres across the country will continue to be places of hope for all categories of inmates.

 

Tunji-Ojo said this at a  Performance Contract Signing Retreat, which had the theme “United Front for a Secure Nation and Future”, on Monday in Abuja.

 

The Minister said that this would be achieved through a positive change in the institutional management of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCOS) for better service delivery.

 

“I will not defend you that you are doing good in terms of institutional management, but we will take responsibility as it must be better.

 

“Our responsibility is to make sure people are treated with dignity as the service serves as the bridge between the weak and strongest.

 

“Whatever you are presenting during this retreat must be based on the premise of rehabilitation, correctional reformation and respect for human rights,” he said.

 

He said he was pleased with the border control measures put in place by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), adding that a lot still needs to be done to improve these measures.

 

“We need a service with better border control, administration and management as there are more undesignated borders than the designated ones,” he said.

 

Tunji-Ojo tasked the NIS to ensure every Nigerian is accounted for at every point in time.

 

He charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen efforts in safeguarding the nation’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

 

“Today we see a lot of vandalism in the power, telecommunications and solid mineral sectors, among others.

 

“There is, therefore, the need for the Corps to be in charge of all CNAI in line with the Act governing its operations,” the Minister said.

 

He said that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) remains the security identification architecture of the country.

 

Tunji-Ojo, however, said that a lot of measures needed to be taken by the Federal Fire Service to enshrine a culture of effective rescue and firefighting operations.

 

He said that the signing of the performance bond by the heads of parastatal signified a commitment to better service delivery to Nigerians.

 

“Your uniform is a sign of patriotism, loyalty; so let your patriotism be a sign and not just in words.

 

“We will give you all the mentorship and support you need but when you fail, but I hope you will not fail, because failure has repercussions,” Tunji-Ojo said.

 

According to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the contracts are a roadmap for the ministry’s vision.

 

“They set measurable targets that will reflect our impact on the nation’s security and well-being. Through these agreements, we are not only signing our names but committing to tangible results,” she said.

 

She charged participants to utilise the retreat as a forum to innovate, strategise and set realistic, achievable and timely key performance indicators.

 

“Our targets must not only be ambitious, but also grounded in the realities of our current security landscape.

 

“It is by aligning our goals and pooling our strengths that we can unlock our full potential and transform the vision of a secured Nigeria into reality,” Ajani said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Saudi Arabia hosts donors, raises $1.1bn for displaced persons in Lake Chad, others

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By Mufutau Ojo

Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has hosted a donors’ conference, raising over 1.1 billion dollars for displaced persons and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

 

This substantial funding commitment was made possible by the contributions of more than 10 donor countries, agencies, and organisations dedicated to addressing the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-hit areas.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was held in Jeddah in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

 

NAN also reports that the conference, which had the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as partner, was to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali faced with various crisis and natural disasters.

 

Addressing the conference, Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, expressed appreciation for the generosity shown by donors.

 

According to him, the contributions not only demonstrates solidarity but also empowers humanitarian organisations to deliver life-saving support.

 

He further said the contributions would ensure greater security and resilience for affected populations.

 

Al Rabeeah affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment, through KSrelief, to expanding aid efforts in partnership with international stakeholders and ensuring that those in urgent need get help.

 

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, on his part, stated that the conference was a testament to international unity.

 

He said the forum provided a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a foundation for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.

 

“The presence of so many committed nations and organisations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation,” he said.

 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also lauded Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event.

 

He acknowledged the region’s potential and the severe challenges being faced due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions and economic strain.

 

With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions.

 

He also called for an end to hostilities while urging protection of civilians and unhindered access for aid efforts.

 

NAN reports that Saudi Arabia further strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional 30 million dollars, bringing its total contributions for 2024 to 51 million dollars. (NAN)

Health

We need local solutions to Climate Change challenges- Pate

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By Folasade Akpan

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has emphasised the need for localised solutions to address the consequences of climate change.

 

Pate said this on Thursday in Abuja at the 10th edition of the Future of Health Conference, organised by Nigeria Health Watch.

 

The theme of the conference is “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience at the Climate-Health Nexus”.

 

Pate stressed that Nigeria’s unique challenges required tailored responses and effective leveraging of available resources.

 

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s struggles with climate-related disruptions, including flooding and droughts, which have led to a surge in climate-sensitive diseases.

 

“Climate change affects not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable diseases like respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions, now the fastest-growing health burden in Nigeria.

 

“The adverse effects on food systems, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity, are also a major concern.”

 

Tamer Rabie, Global Programme Lead for Climate and Health at the World Bank, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress but noted that results were yet to be seen.

 

He remained hopeful that the country was moving in the right direction to support the most vulnerable populations.

 

The Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne lhekweazu, said that the theme for the 2024 conference was borne out of a need to ensure that Nigerians better understand that climate change was not a theoretical concept.

 

“It is a fundamental concept and also, we want Nigerians to understand what climate change is.

 

“We often wonder whether the language used for climate change is obscure, but quite frankly, most people can relate to the climate impact.”

 

She said that discussions would be around changing climate patterns and the impact they would have on response to future vaccines in Nigeria.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Future of Health Conference which began in 2015, provides a platform to engage stakeholders across the health ecosystem to tackle pressing issues facing the sector and providing solutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Nigeria lost more than $500m to cybercrime in 2022 —EFCC

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Nigeria lost more than 500 million dollars to cybercrime in 2022, warning that if unchecked, the current cybercrime wave portended a grave danger.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2024 National Cybersecurity Summit with the theme: “Alternatives to Cybercrimes; Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development”.

The event was organised by EFCC with the support of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

“Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering 10.5 trillion dollars.

“As a matter of fact, the research I did earlier this year confirmed that cybercrime has become the third largest GDP in the world with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.

“The implication of all this is that if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.

“Bringing it to Nigeria, in 2022 alone, Nigeria lost over 500 million dollars to cybercrime,” he said.

Olukoyede said cybercrime accounted for a significant percentage of the convictions recorded by the agency since his one year in office as the chairman of the EFCC.

“These are the realities stalking the commission’s fight against these crimes.

“Cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3,455 convictions recorded by EFCC in my one year as the Executive Chairman of EFCC,” he said.

He, however, said there were plans to re-channel the energies of young people, who are mostly perpetrators of cybercrime.

“First, there is an alternative of creative and innovative development of socially beneficial applications that can deliver better prospects than internet fraud.

“Today’s event is tailored towards exposing young Nigerians with strong tech skills to the opportunities that abound in various industries and sectors for legitimate wealth, creation, and honest livelihood.

“These opportunities can be found in the creative industry, tech, ecosystem, financial services sector, medical services, and even law enforcement, your lens,” he said.

According to him, the fight against cybercrime is a collective one that cannot be left alone for the EFCC.

The EFCC chairman stressed the importance of engaging state governors in tackling cybercrime at all levels.

”This time around, we are not only interrogating the problems, we are aggregating workable solutions to it.

“What alternative do we have for our youth?

“And that’s where it has become imperative to bring the state governors so that as we are tackling it at the federal level, sub-nationals will also have a role to play.

“The enormity of challenges posed to us as individuals and as a country by cybercrimes are grievous as individuals,” he said.

Olukoyede noted that youth involvement in cybercrime was distorting and corrupting acceptable family values.

“The tendency towards quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations,” he said.

Also speaking, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, said it was imperative to involve stakeholders to win the war against cybersecurity in the country.

She said that cybercrime was not just a crime against individuals or businesses but an assault on collective integrity, nation’s economic stability and the future of the youth.

She expressed concern over the alarming rates of youth involvement in cybercrime and urged parents to guide their children appropriately by inculcating good values, morals and sense of patriotism in them.

The Head of Programme, International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang, said that  Nigeria has a very youthful population that is versatile in the use of technology.

He noted with concern that the skill had, however, been used negatively in various forms including in digital financial crime.

“This has not only given the country a bad name internationally, but also a significant threat to the country’s financial system; and increased crimes against the person including child pornography.

“While we acknowledge the effort made by the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in fighting cybercrime, perhaps we need to rethink our traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.

He said that this could be done by focusing on other ways of channeling the energies of youth and their skills in the use of technology.

“We will strengthen our cybercrime prevention and response mechanisms; and at the same time create more legitimate opportunities for young people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

General News

My dream- Nigerian Para-athlete

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By Oluwole Sogunle

A para-athlete, Oluwakemi Ladipo, says she looks forward to winning an Olympic gold medal, donning the national colours, in her sporting career.

 

Ladipo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

 

She said that since her entry into the sports scene in 2007, she had won several laurels on the local scene representing Ogun and Bayelsa state, but she had her eyes on the international stage.

 

“I wish to make the national team, to run and win in the Olympics, God helping me, and with good sponsors,” Oladipo, whose sporting career has so far spanned 17 years said.

 

She said that actualising the dream could be facilitated by an environment that was conducive for para-athletes through provision of necessary equipment.

 

“Our major challenge on the wheelchair race, or para-athletes majorly, is our equipment.

 

“Our equipment are very expensive, individuals cannot easily afford it.

 

” With government intervention, Yes, I believe something good can come out of it” she said.

 

Ladipo said that presently, they were only managing some equipment left behind for them by a retired para-athlete and coach.

 

“All thanks go to my boss, Chief Aliu Adebayo, he was a former wheelchair racer before he retired.

 

“During his reign, he was able to acquire some wheelchairs that he used in training us, so it’s that one that we’ve been using.

 

“Even the equipment are getting old and outdated as new models are coming in, but thankfully enough, we’re still managing them and God has been helping us,” she said.

 

The para-athlete said that the government could also revisit an area of support it had rendered in the past.

 

“Before, what the government did was that, if you make the national team, there are wheelchairs available for you at the national, but for some time now that is no more the case, so if this can be revisited, and aid is given to states that want to procure, that would go a long way,” she said.

 

Ladipo said that, apart from the wheelchair, the government could also assist with other gadgets, hand gloves, and the like.

 

“If that can be done, it will be a timely intervention for us ,” the para-athlete, a graduate of Business Administration, said.

 

She said that the present scenario was that if one was not in the limelight, people didn’t seem to reckon with him or her.

 

*I will love for sponsors to come and sponsor our games, let them come and encourage us. Disability is not easy, and many of us don’t want to be beggars on the road.

 

“Let them come and encourage us. Let there be encouragement; we find solace, we find joy in this game that we play.

 

” Anyone you see on the road, introduce them to sports. Sports can take you a long way, even longer than you can imagine.

 

“With more of us in this game, that will be less of us on the streets,” she said.

 

Ladipo said that the government could also create a niche for PWDs in sports, to make them look forward to something that would make life easier for them after retirement. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

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