By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, saying continuity is necessary to sustain the gains recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in sports development and inclusion.
Abba Isa made the call in Abuja while speaking at a friendly Para-Volleyball match organised by the Abuja Para Volley Club to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He urged Nigerians, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
The presidential aide also appealed to citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate peacefully in the elections.
According to him, Nigeria’s continued progress requires citizens to strengthen democracy through inclusive participation.
“Let us continue to strengthen our democracy through peaceful and inclusive participation,” he said.
Abba Isa, who is also the President of the Nigeria Para-Volleyball Federation, described sports as a major instrument for promoting national unity, inclusion, friendship and national pride.
He said Para-sports had become more than recreation for Persons with Disabilities, describing it as a platform through which athletes demonstrate their abilities, discover their potential and contribute to national development.
“For Persons with Disabilities, however, sports is much more than a game. It is our life. It is one of the ways we express ourselves, demonstrate our abilities, discover our potential and show the world what we can achieve,” he said.
The presidential aide commended the Abuja Para Volley Club for organising the independence anniversary match, saying the initiative demonstrated the capacity of sports to unite Nigerians irrespective of their backgrounds or physical abilities.
He said Nigerian Para-athletes had consistently demonstrated their ability to compete successfully on the international stage and promised to work with the federation’s leadership to take Para-Volleyball to a higher level.
“As President of the Nigeria Para-Volleyball Federation, my mandate and promise is to take the game to a higher level,” Abba Isa said.
He added that the federation would pursue programmes and initiatives capable of producing greater milestones for Para-Volleyball in Nigeria.
The presidential aide also cited Nigeria’s performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as evidence of the potential of Nigerian athletes with disabilities.
He said Team Nigeria won 24 medals at the Games, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals, with Para-powerlifting and Para-athletics contributing significantly to the country’s medal haul.
According to him, Nigeria also emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked nation at the Games.
Abba Isa said the performance demonstrated that Persons with Disabilities could excel when provided with the necessary opportunities, support and platforms.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his office to working with relevant stakeholders to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda through sports, particularly in the areas of inclusion, national cohesion and economic development.
The presidential aide urged athletes participating in the independence match to demonstrate sportsmanship, friendship and unity, while encouraging them to continue making Nigeria proud at home and abroad.
He also congratulated President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Nigerians, including the disability community, on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said Nigeria had remained united despite political upheavals and numerous challenges, describing the resilience of Nigerians as a testament to the enduring spirit of the nation.
Abba Isa concluded by urging the athletes and other Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and inclusion as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“Long live Nigeria. Long live Nigerian sports. Long live Persons with Disabilities. Happy 66th Independence Anniversary,” he said.
