Rio Paralympians urge Buhari to sign Nigeria’s Disability Bill into law

Nigeria’s successful representatives at the recently concluded Rio Paralympic Games have urged President Muhammad Buhari to sign the Nigeria Disability Bill into Law.

The call came at the welcome reception for the Paralympians organized by the Joint National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities (JONAPWD) which witnessed the investiture of ‘Champions of the Nigeria Disability Law’ on the athletes.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, president, Nigeria Paralympic Committee, Monday Emoghavwe (MON), said the president’s assent to the bill will to a greater extent address other challenges of the athletes.

The athletes further advocated for the construction of a paralympic games village for sportsmen and women living with disabilities, as provided for their counterparts abroad.

“We want a Paralympic Games Village where all paralympians will convene for training

Emoghavwe said the well-equipped centre will comprise activities and projects where new and retired paralympians can learn trade skills and engage in sports activities.

In a congratulatory message to the athletes, president of JONAPWD, Ekaette Umoh, said the athletes have redefined perspectives of disability while simultaneously “returning the issues of persons with disabilities to the front-burner.

“We want all paralympians to join us in this cause to push the Nigeria Disability Bill. We want to see you all as champions of the bill.”

Besides the provision of a legal framework that protects the rights of persons with disabilities, and a level playing field for persons with disabilities, especially in the planning, and implementation of national programmes and projects,” Umoh said.