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Para Athletes Complain of Delayed Allowances After West Africa Games

Published

9 months ago

January 21, 2026

West Africa Para Games allowances remain unpaid as Nigerian para athletes express concern while preparing for 2026 Commonwealth Games and Paralympics

Nigerian para athletes who represented the country at the inaugural West Africa Zone A and B Para Games, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have expressed frustration over delays in receiving their competition and transport allowances.

Also read: Team Nigeria Earns Stunning 11–0 Victory in Para Games Opener

Nigeria hosted the first edition of the regional multi-sport event, fielding 190 athletes out of more than 400 participants from 10 West African countries.

Team Nigeria dominated the competition, claiming 59 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

Benin Republic and Ghana finished second and third, respectively.

More than a month after the event, some athletes are yet to receive allowances or transport reimbursements.

One athlete, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrangements were poorly communicated.

“There was no prior negotiation. They didn’t involve the federations. We were just taken to the RCCG camp as the competition base. Nothing was said about allowances. As we speak now, we are yet to be paid,” the athlete said.

Others confirmed that some received partial transport allowances of N50,000, while many still await full payment of their competition allowances.

The athletes also criticised the lack of proper training facilities, highlighting that the current stadium infrastructure is makeshift and inadequate for long-term preparation.

The National Sports Commission’s 2026 budget allocates N1.28 billion for programmes for disabled athletes, including preparation for the third Para Games, and N1.175 billion for equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches.

Athletes, however, argue that funding should go beyond statutory procurement and competitions to ensure adequate facilities and support.

Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, reassured the athletes that their allowances would be paid by the end of the week.

“Some athletes, such as para-swimmers who were in camp but didn’t compete, will still receive their allowances. The priority now is preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles,” he said.

Also read: Abuja Stadium Upgrade Draws Heavy N24.6bn Cost in 2026 Budget

The athletes’ concerns underline ongoing challenges in supporting para sports in Nigeria, even as the country achieves historic successes in regional competitions.

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Kaduna Steps Up Ebola Surveillance and Public Awareness

Published

7 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kaduna Ebola surveillance is being strengthened through health facility preparedness, public awareness campaigns and planned sensitisation at key entry points.

The Kaduna State Government has stepped up Ebola surveillance and preventive measures, including strengthening health facility preparedness and expanding public awareness campaigns, as authorities work to prevent a possible outbreak.

Also read: Ronaldo Sends Emotional Message to Kvaratskhelia

The Director of Public Health at the state Ministry of Health, Dr Sadique Abubakar, disclosed the measures in an interview with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a meeting to assess the Ebola situation and identify necessary preventive actions.

Abubakar said the government was working to improve the readiness of health facilities while educating residents about Ebola prevention and the importance of strict infection prevention and control practices.

“We have already identified the necessary actions that we will continue to take. Part of them is strengthening facility readiness and awareness,” he said.

He explained that community sensitisation remained central to the state’s preparedness strategy, with health officials developing messages to inform the public about the disease and ways to reduce the risk of transmission.

“We are currently developing messages to distribute across various media platforms. We will also engage the media in sensitising the community through radio, television and other channels,” Abubakar said.

The government is also planning awareness campaigns at key entry points, including motor parks and railway stations, to reach travellers and other members of the public with relevant health information.

According to the director, these efforts form part of broader preparations to ensure Kaduna can respond effectively to a potential public health emergency.

Abubakar added that the Ministry of Health would issue a public health advisory to guide residents on precautions and other relevant information concerning Ebola.

“Usually, when we have issues of public health concern, we release public health advisories,” he said.

He assured residents that the government would continue reviewing its preparedness plans and provide updates as additional measures were developed.

Also read: Ronaldo Sends Emotional Message to Kvaratskhelia

The director urged the public to follow official health information and observe recommended preventive measures while the state strengthens its readiness against a possible Ebola outbreak.