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The Benue Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare on Wednesday, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion by supporting sporting activities for persons with disabilities.
The ministry, in collaboration with Elim Christian Vocational Training Centre, organised a para-athletics competition at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, with the theme, “Beyond Disabilities: Celebrating Abilities, Promoting Inclusion.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Theresa Ikwue, represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Eunice Tachia, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to persons with disabilities.
Ikwue said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate abilities, identify areas requiring improvement and promote greater inclusion through sports. She commended the Oju team for its impressive performance in spite of the short notice and urged participants to remain law-abiding.
The commissioner also appreciated Elim Christian Vocational Training Centre for organising the event and donated sporting equipment to support future competitions.
The equipment comprised two javelins, two shot puts and two discus implements for male and female athletes.
Mr Jonah Owulo, representing the Centre’s Director, Mr Egbodo Emmanuel, said the competition had revealed the participants’ potential and strengthened prospects for further collaboration.
Owulo expressed optimism that the partnership would create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to develop their sporting talents. The competition featured javelin, shot put and 100-metre wheelchair races for male and female participants from Oju and Makurdi.
Mr Sunday Ochepo, Head Coach of Para-Athletics and Able Athletes at the Benue State Sports Council, said participants were selected based on performance.
Medals and gift items were presented to outstanding athletes by Mr Onah Adeyi, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities.
