馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Autism advocates call for greater acceptance and support for neurodiverse children in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Oluronke Katagum, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Zamarr Institute Centre for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, led calls for increased acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum during Autism Acceptance Month. Speaking after a commemorative walk in Abuja, Katagum emphasized a shift from mere awareness to full societal acceptance and the celebration of neurodiversity. The event, themed 'Light It Up Blue: Walk, Run, Ride for Autism,' marked Zamarr Institute's 20 years of providing special needs assistance and included children with special needs, caregivers, and advocates. Katagum highlighted the potential of neurodiverse children, citing an example of a participant who was non-verbal until age seven but is now highly intelligent. She stressed the need for improved support systems, noting the valuable contributions these children can make to society. Major challenges identified include stigmatization and financial limitations, with the institute planning a fundraising event to raise N250m for a respite center and a special needs facility. Katagum also called for greater government involvement, mentioning ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs to unify advocacy efforts and refine an upcoming bill. One special needs child, Enoch, shared his enthusiasm for learning about animals, space, and the universe. Autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, impacts an estimated one percent of the
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Nigeria's para powerlifting team has secured $18,000 in performance rewards following a strong start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The National Sports Commission had previously announced cash incentives for medallists. Esther Nworgu won Nigeria鈥檚 first gold medal, setting a Games record of 119.0 points in the women鈥檚 lightweight para powerlifting, ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema who took silver with 115.5 points. Nworgu received $8,000 in total rewards, while Oyema received $5,000. In the men鈥檚 lightweight category, Roland Ezuruike secured a silver medal with 153.9 points and also received $5,000. These three medallists collectively earned $18,000. The NSC has pledged cumulative cash rewards of $8,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze medallists at Glasgow 2026. Nigeria's team, comprising experienced and emerging talents, will continue to compete in various events, with expectations for further medal-winning performances.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will be counted in the 2027 general elections. This assurance was given during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar retd., in Minna, Niger State. Amupitan praised Abubakar as "the father of democracy in Nigeria" and a "pillar of support for INEC," commending the National Peace Committee's Peace Accord initiative for promoting non-violence among political actors. The INEC chairman stated the commission's commitment to ensuring that the will of Nigerians, as expressed at the polls, will prevail. He also confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections: Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. Abubakar, in turn, urged Nigerians to support INEC.
Must ReadThe Court of Arbitration for Sport has scheduled October 8, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The hearing will take place at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. The dispute involves the Senegalese Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Senegal is challenging CAF's decision to declare the Teranga Lions as having forfeited the AFCON 2025 final and to award Morocco a 3-0 victory. The appeal, registered on March 25, 2026, also seeks to have Senegal declared winners of the tournament. The case will follow a standard timeline as the parties did not agree to an expedited process. The hearing will be held behind closed doors, and no ruling will be delivered on the day of the hearing. The dispute originated from the AFCON 2025 final on January 18, 2026, where Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. Although Senegal eventually won 1-0 after extra time, CAF's Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final due to breaching competition regulations, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title. Senegal subsequently appealed this decision to CAS.