Suleiman Isah advocates for the establishment of a Niger State Sports Commission to support the local Paralympic community and align with the federal government’s new sports initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of representation for athletes with disabilities on the commission’s board, and urges swift legislative action to pass the necessary bill.
Suleiman Isah, Secretary General of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, urges the Niger State government to establish a dedicated sports commission to align with President Bola Tinubu’s New Hope Agenda. He believes that a local sports commission will demonstrate the government’s commitment to sports development, following the recent transformation of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development into the National Sports Commission.
During discussions, Isah highlighted that Niger State residents expressed a desire for their own sports commission, signaling community interest in sports governance. He participated in a public hearing at the Niger House of Assembly where stakeholders, including himself as a representative from Niger, advocated for involvement in establishing the sports commission. Isah proposed that members with experience in Paralympic sports be included in the commission’s leadership.
Ascribed to the role of Paralympic sports, Isah emphasized the importance of representation for athletes with disabilities on the executive board. He noted that having an experienced voice would help address the affairs of all sports in the state, particularly for athletes with disabilities. This representation would ensure that the unique needs of this community are recognized and addressed.
Isah lamented the neglect faced by athletes with disabilities in Niger State and emphasized the integration of sports and education for this community. He highlighted that adaptive sports programs aim to empower disabled individuals through education and athleticism. The passage of this bill would facilitate opportunities for disabled athletes to pursue both sports and education.
He called upon Governor Mohammed Bago to expedite the legislative process for the sports commission bill, which has already progressed through the initial readings and is awaiting its third reading. Isah stated, “We are appealing that the Niger State government should assist in hastening the passage of the bill…because we know that the people within the sports disability community will benefit more.”
Additionally, Isah expressed concern over the absence of athletes from Niger State in major Paralympic competitions, exemplified by the last games in France where Nigeria secured medals, yet lacked representation from his home state. He asserted that establishing a sports commission would create a platform for visibility and opportunities for disabled athletes, urging government support for the bill.
The call for a dedicated sports commission in Niger State stems from a need for structured support for athletes, particularly those with disabilities. This initiative aligns with broader national reforms in Nigeria’s sports policy, aiming to enhance the representation and well-being of disabled athletes. By advocating for a local commission, Isah and other stakeholders intend to promote inclusivity and better governance in sports.
The push for a Niger State Sports Commission emphasizes the need for accountability and representation in sports governance, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Establishing this commission is seen as vital for fostering opportunities, enhancing educational integration, and enabling disabled athletes in Niger State to thrive. The ongoing legislative process will determine the future of sports inclusivity in the region.
Original Source: punchng.com
