Angry Physically Challenged Athletes Protest, Block Lagos Highway As They Decry Marginalisation

• Lagos was brought to a standstill on Wednesday, October 19, after physically challenged athletes embarked on a protest in Surulere
• There was heavy traffic gridlock around the Surulere axis, where the protesters decried marginalisation
• They are unimpressed with the exemption of para-sports from the forthcoming National Sports Festival

A number of physically challenged persons were spotted on the streets of Lagos, protesting what they described as marginalisation.

Motorists and pedestrians were affected as the activities caused a traffic gridlock around the Surulere area and its environs.

It is believed that commuters were forced to abandon commercial vehicles, in order to trek long distances in a bid to beat the traffic.

They eventually gathered at the National Stadium and insisted that all para-sports exempted from the festival must be included.

Jurgen Klopp’s past witch comments resurface again amid Liverpool’s worrying injury list

Football

One of the protesters, para-athlete Joyce Otun, disclosed why they have embarked on such a protest. She said via Punch:

“We are protesting because they deny us our rights. The National Sports Festival must include all para-sports and none should be denied participation."

She added, “Only three of our sports have been enlisted in the National Sports Festival. If they would not include all our sports, they should forget about the festival this year. We are not ready to stop; we will continue this protest until they heed our call.”

Further reports indicate that policemen were later drafted to the scene to ensure the situation did not escalate.

NAN reports that protesting athletes left the scene, resulting in eased traffic flow and relief for commuters.

Tobi Amusan nominated for award

Meanwhile, the World, Commonwealth and African 100m hurdles champion and record holder, Tobi Amusan has reacted to her nomination for the World Athlete of the Year Award.

Tobi Amusan breaks record, becomes 1st Nigerian to be nominated for prestigious international award

Athletics

Amusan, who is having a sensational season, stunned the sporting world during the World Athletics Championships when she ran 12.12s in the semi-finals of the women's hurdles.

The 25-year-old, who is now the world record holder, set another milestone at the Commonwealth Games when she won gold with a time of 12.20s in the final.