The Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu has assured Persons with Disabilities of health benefits through regular exercises and active participations in sporting activities.
Lalu gave this assurance recently in Abuja when he received one of the representatives of the Commission, Mr Charles Akoh who won a Bronze medal in the game of Draught during the just concluded 42nd edition of the Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) held in Minna, Niger State.
While appreciating Akoh, the ES said, “Your victory is the triumph of all Persons with Disabilities as you are not only the representative of the Commission but, a great Ambassador of all the 35.5 million Nigerians with Disabilities as you remain our symbol of pride and accomplishment”
The Executive Secretary further advised all PWDs to engage in physical activities such as regular exercise and sports.
“Regular physical activity can improve our muscle strength, mental health and will also boost your endurance. Exercise sends oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and helps the cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when our hearts and lung health improve, we have more energy to tackle daily chores” he opined.
Lalu further stated that being physically active can improve one’s brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of diseases, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve the ability to do everyday activities.
In his response, the visibly elated Charles Akoh who is also a staff of the Planning Research and Statistics Department of the Commission expressed his profound gratitude to the Executive Secretary for his fatherly dispositions. He also appreciated the Director PRS, Mr. Soji Adewale for his unwavering support.
” I will bring home the gold medal next year if properly equipped” he promised.
However, the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) is an annual sports competition between the Ministries, Department and Agencies in Nigeria. It is an organized Body charged with the collective responsibility of uniting the MDAs through sports aside from the important facts of keeping fit and relieving the official stress.
Mbanefo JohnMichaels Ikechukwu
Head Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
14th December, 2023
