Nigerian para powerlifter, Nworgu Esther, has explained why two physically challenged individuals should not marry each other.
The 22-year-old gold medallist said that as someone who is in a relationship with an able-bodied man, she believes that two people living with physical disability should not marry themselves, for security reasons.
Nworgu stated in an interview that though some people believe there is nothing wrong with the idea individuals in wheelchair becoming partners, she does not think it will work for her.
The para powerlifter said; “My partner is able-bodied. I always tell people that the way you lay your bed is how you will lie on it. One reason I love God is because when I ask Him for something, He always gives. What I ask from Him is what He gives me.
I don’t pray with doubt. I am one person who believes that living with disabilities is not the end of the world. As a wheelchair user, I’m made. However, I believe two wheelchair users or two physically challenged persons should not marry each other because of security.
Although some people believe two wheelchair users should marry each other. I believe what works for others might not work for me. So I don’t know how it started, but I know I’m in a relationship. That is how my God works.”
Speaking on her childhood, the athlete said; “Growing up wasn’t easy, but I thank my family because they accepted my disability and personality. I wasn’t born this way, but when it came, they knew that something changed. They adapted to the change and encouraged me to adapt to it. So they built my self-confidence. It was only in the community that I experienced bullying and discrimination, but when you already have self-confidence from your home, there is no kind of discrimination that you cannot face out there.
If the discrimination came from the family, it would be so difficult to cope. So from my nursery to primary to secondary school, it wasn’t easy, but there is something that I remember every time I was faced with discrimination. I remember my mom saying, “There’s no difference between you and them.” Those words stick to my brain, so when someone says otherwise, I’ll counter it and say there’s no difference between you and me.”
