Paralympics 2024: Meet the power couple of Nigerian Para-table tennis

The Alabis’ tale is particularly compelling because of the barriers they face in Nigeria.

Both were affected by polio as children, which is why Christiana uses a wheelchair, while Kayode lost the use of his right leg and requires support to walk.

“I was the only child with a disability in my community, which made life very difficult,” Christiana revealed.

“My disability made it hard to make friends and I was very shy, rarely mingling with others.”

Although Kayode had a similar experience, he did find support in his friends.

“Some friends would take turns to carry me on their back,” he said.

“It was tough to keep up with transport to school or training. I was always the last person to get on the bus because I waited for the crowd to thin out first.”

As adults, the couple still find their daily lives marked by significant obstacles.

“Navigating from our home to the training ground is extremely challenging,” said Kayode.

“Finding a bus that can accommodate my wife’s wheelchair is not easy.”

According to the Nigerian National Development Plan 2021-2025, more than 96% of people with disabilities in the country lack access to assistive devices.

When it comes to public infrastructure – which includes things like buildings, transportation and roads – 98.5% remains inaccessible.

Despite these hurdles, Christiana finds solace in their mutual support.

“We help each other out.

“Kayode is very caring. If I need something and don’t want to go out, he’ll take care of it for me. Financially, we manage well.”