October 19, (THEWILL) – On Wednesday, several physically-challenged athletes held a demonstration in the Surulere neighbourhood of Lagos, resulting in a traffic jam that kept drivers for hours in gridlock.
Many commuters, particularly those travelling down Funso Williams Avenue, were compelled to abandon their commercial cars and walk great distances in order to beat the traffic.
Athletes who participated in the protest were voicing their discontent over the apparent exclusion of their events from the upcoming National Sports Festival. They insisted that all Para-sports that were exempt from the festival be included and they felt the protest was a way to air their grievances.
Most of the protesters who carried placards believed that their disabilities was not enough reason to exclude them from the Festival. It is a valid point given that they have their own events at international competitions where they have consistently represented Nigeria productively.
Despite their adamant declaration that they would block traffic for the following 24 hours if the decision to exclude them was not changed, some police officers from the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were later sent to the area, who helped to disperse the athletes allowing for easier traffic flow.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
