Nigerian paralympian who migrated to the US becomes a member of Metro council (photos)

- A Nigerian paralympian based in the United States has been sworn in as a member of Metro council

- The man is the first Nigerian to sit on the Metro council

- He was reportedly chosen to represent a district that needs to embrace its changing demographics

A Nigerian paralympian identified as Vitalis Lanshima has been sworn in as a member of Metro council.

The Louisville Metro Council selected Lanshima as the new District 21 Councilman from a field of 13 applicants during its regular meeting on Thursday, December 14.

Lanshima’s arms were amputated when he was 12 years old after electricity accident. He moved to Louisville to attend Bellarmine University on scholarship as a paralympic track athlete. The man explained that he suffered to get to where he is.

Nigerian paralympian who migrated to the US sworn in as a member of Metro council Photo Source: Insider Lousiville

He said: "Coming from a very poor background and having to struggle for my entire life to get to where I am today, I believe I have a lot of experience I can come to bear."

Lanshima’s arms were amputated when he was 12 years old

The man who won the seat on Metro council with 14 votes expressed his thanks for the confidence the council showed in him by electing him. He was selected to represent a district that candidates for the seat said needs to embrace its changing demographics.