…As Stakeholders, Participants Endorses Tinubu/Shettima for Second Term
By Lanre Oloyede
In a vibrant display of sportsmanship, inclusion, and national unity, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, on Wednesday officially launched the maiden edition of the Tinubu-Shettima Para-Soccer Unity Cup.
The historic tournament, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), celebrates the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The tournament aims to foster peace, national cohesion, and unity among Nigerian youth while showcasing the exceptional talent and resilience of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the game of para-soccer.
The tournament also serves as a platform to amplify the voices of athletes with disabilities and advocate for their inclusion in national sports development policies.
Organized by Hon. Misbau Lawal, former National Leader of PWDs in the APC National Working Committee, the tournament features several para-soccer teams across the FCT competing for the coveted title.
In his welcome address, Lawal decried the continued neglect of para-soccer in Nigeria’s mainstream sports administration. He called for urgent institutional support and recognition of the sport at all levels.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa underscored the significance of inclusive sports as a tool for empowerment, national integration, and personal development. He specifically called on the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Mr. Bukola Olopade to immediately mainstream para-soccer in the national sports framework, in line with President Tinubu’s directive for disability inclusion in every sector of national development.
He emphasized that such a move is not only a matter of policy compliance but also a vital tool for empowering persons with disabilities.
“Empowering persons with disabilities through sports not only enhances their physical and mental well-being but also opens doors to financial independence and social recognition. Our Paralympians have continuously brought honour to Nigeria, and it is time we institutionalize support for them across all levels,” Hon. Abba Isa stated.
The event also served as a platform for participants and stakeholders to reaffirm their endorsement and support for the re-election of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027 citing their administration’s commitment to disability rights and inclusive governance.
The SSAP noted that the APC-led government remains the only political platform in Nigeria that has consistently institutionalized disability inclusion at all levels—from the national to the ward. He highlighted landmark achievements under the Tinubu administration, including the passage of the National Disability Act and the establishment of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD).
Also speaking at the event, Kamal Albarnawi, a Board Member of the Para-Soccer Federation of Nigeria, expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Abba Isa for his unwavering commitment to disability inclusion through sports.
“Your presence at the Tinubu-Shettima Renewed Hope National Para-Soccer Unity Cup is a powerful demonstration of your tireless dedication to promoting empowerment and equal opportunities for PWDs. You inspire our athletes and affirm the administration’s promise that no Nigerian will be left behind,” Albarnawi said.
The Tinubu-Shettima Para-Soccer Unity Cup not only sets the stage for future sporting events for persons with disabilities but also marks a significant step forward in national efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society through sports.
