Association of OVC NGOs of Nigeria, and partners Anambra State, in a remarkable display of unity and inclusivity, marked the 2023 16 Days of Activism with a unique football match at the premises of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Awka.
The visually impaired members of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD) faced off against non-visual media professionals from the State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
In a surprising turn of events, Team JONAPWD emerged victorious, dominating Team NUJ with an impressive 5-0 scoreline.
The NUJ members, in a gesture of solidarity, took on the challenge blindfolded, experiencing firsthand the challenges faced by their JONAPWD counterparts.
The star of the match was undoubtedly Kenechukwu Agbanu, the striker for Team JONAPWD, who netted all five goals. The NUJ team, visibly shocked, expressed disbelief at the remarkable skill and swiftness displayed by their visually impaired rivals in locating the ball and finding the goal post without the ability to see.
At the conclusion of the fiercely contested match, Mr. Ugochukwu Okeke, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, commended the organizers for fostering inclusivity and understanding through this innovative event.
He highlighted the significance of such initiatives in promoting awareness and breaking down barriers.
State Focal Person for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), Mrs. Josephine Onah, also expressed her appreciation for the event, acknowledging its positive impact on promoting inclusiveness and understanding among diverse groups.
Other partners include: Child Protection Network, CPN among others.
This impactful event received support from The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme of International IDEA and the European Union, further emphasizing the importance of collaboration in creating a more inclusive society.
