https://presidentatikuabubakar..com/2018/11/amputee-football-nadef-hails-atiku-for.html

The National Disability Empowerment Forum, an umbrella organization of 25 million physically challenged Nigerians, has backed the candidature of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential flag bearer for the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar.

The endorsement was contained in NADEF’s letter of appreciation sent to Atiku in Abuja on Tuesday to thank him for donating N10 million to the nation’s amputee football team, which enabled the squad to represent Nigeria at the Amputee World Cup in Mexico.

“Twenty-five million Nigerians living with disabilities are solidly behind you come 2019,” the forum said in the letter signed by its president, Dr Christopher Nwanoro.
“We pray that the Almighty God will reward you greatly for your heart of gold towards people living with disabilities and humanity in general,” he added.

The group said Atiku’s donation “salvaged the situation, making it possible for the team to participate in the championship.”
Nwanoro, who is blind, said he was a beneficiary of Atiku’s scholarship scheme, which saw him through his postgraduate studies. He described the gesture as “another demonstration of Atiku’s love towards persons living with disabilities.”

On Octocber 22, a day to the commencement of the World Cup, NADEF and Nigeria Amputee Football Federation made a presentation to Atiku seeking his financial support to enable the team travel to Mexico for the championship, a request which the former vice president granted with the donation of N10 million.

NAFF through Fred Edoreh, its World Cup Project Coordinator, had complained that for three consecutive times the team had through self-help attended Africa Amputee Football Nations Cup, qualified for the global series but did not make the trips because of funding gaps.

Edoreh explained that if the team failed to show up at the 2018 edition, which would be the fourth time, the Nigerian side would be suspended from participating in all international competitions, adding that the team would be disillusioned if such situation was allowed.
“It will close the windows of opportunities which the sport offers for the engagement of physically challenged persons in Nigeria,” he said.