A veteran sportsman, Dr Emeka Johnson, has raised concern over the persistent neglect of athletes with disabilities, describing the low level of funding as unfair and harmful to the growth of Paralympic sports in Nigeria. He urged stakeholders to come together to close the gap and give these athletes the support they deserve.
Johnson, who plays several sports including badminton, spoke on the longstanding imbalance between disabled and able-bodied athletes. He said many promising Paralympic athletes are held back not by lack of talent but by the absence of consistent financial and structural assistance.
Calling for a change of attitude, he appealed to government agencies, private organisations and well-meaning individuals to invest more in athletes with disabilities. He noted that developed nations have built strong support systems for people with disabilities through dedicated structures and funding schemes.
His remarks followed global commemorations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marked every year on December 3.
Speaking at the National Stadium in Abuja, Dr Johnson explained that veteran players have begun plans to mentor younger athletes by providing guidance, funding and access to networks that can help them grow. He observed that many young athletes today are distracted by the pursuit of quick financial rewards rather than excellence, and warned that this trend could damage future prospects.
Nigeria has a long history of producing world-class Paralympians, particularly in powerlifting and badminton. Recent achievements include the remarkable outings of Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark, who broke world records at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Oluwafemiayo, a three-time Paralympic champion, set a new record in the women’s over 86kg category by lifting 166kg and later 167kg, while serving as captain of the Nigerian team. Mark, making her debut in Paris, won gold in the women’s 61kg category and broke the world record twice with lifts of 147kg and 150kg.
Other standout athletes include Esther Nworgu, who won silver and set two Paralympic records in the women’s up to 41kg category, and Bose Omolayo, who earned silver in the 79kg class. Lucy Ejike, one of Nigeria’s most decorated Paralympians, continues to be celebrated for her multiple medals across various editions of the Games.
In para-badminton, Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history by becoming the first African to win a medal in badminton at either the Olympics or Paralympics after taking bronze in the women’s SL3 event in Paris and adding to her international triumphs thereafter.
Nigeria also impressed in para-table tennis, with Isau Ogunkunle winning bronze in the men’s class 4 singles, the country’s first individual medal in the sport since 2000. Veteran players Tajudeen Agunbiade and Femi Alabi remain recognised for their earlier contributions, including gold and bronze medals at the Sydney 2000 Games.
In para-athletics, Lauritta Onye continues to hold the world record in the shot put event, while Adeoye Ajibola is remembered as a pioneer sprinter who dominated the 100m and 200m at the 1992 and 1996 Paralympics.
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Despite the widespread challenges created by Nigeria’s inconsistent sports structure, these athletes and many others have kept the country at the forefront of the Paralympic movement, especially in powerlifting, where Nigeria is often a leading force at global competitions.
This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities was themed “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” Estimates of the number of Nigerians living with disabilities vary, with figures ranging from 19 million to more than 35 million, reflecting the scale of the need for attention and reform.
The global observance, established by the United Nations in 1992, aims to deepen understanding of disability issues and promote respect for the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. It also encourages wider inclusion in political, social, economic and cultural life. The day carried the name “International Day of Disabled Persons” until 2007.
Dr Johnson stressed that the reality faced by Paralympic athletes mirrors the broader challenges in society, and he urged Nigeria to act quickly to strengthen its commitment to disability inclusion.
