TheCable

Aisha Buhari, the first lady, has donated a special wheelchair-accessible bus to para-athletics in Nigeria.

The bus was handed over to the para-athletics by the ministry of youth and sports development on Friday during a ceremony held at the VIP lounge, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, the sports ministry said Aisha’s kind gesture was aimed to encourage athletes living with disabilities to develop through sports in order for them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

The first lady, who was represented at the occasion by Victoria Ogala, the special adviser on health and nongovernmental organisations, applauded the para-sports athletes for representing Nigeria at international competitions.

“You have proven to the world that there is ability in disability by winning several laurels for our country in many international competitions and this is a testament that you deserve attention,” the first lady said.

“It is noteworthy that one of the agencies of the Federal Government that have assisted in driving the agenda of wealth creation for the youth, especially people living with disabilities in this administration is the Ministry of Sports and I am proud to be identified with your laudable achievements.”

On his part, Sunday Dare, the sports minister, also said: “I wish to assure you all that para sports occupies a pride of place in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the incoming administration will continue to promote this policy of inclusivity to all Nigerians.”