Survivors recount the realities of life after spinal cord injury as stakeholders demand inclusion, rehabilitation and stronger support.
The Ogun State chapter of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) has called on the Ogun State Government to move from awareness to action in addressing the challenges confronting persons living with spinal cord injury.
The call was made on Saturday at JONAPWD House, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, during the 2026 World Spinal Cord Injury Day, held with the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Ten Years Advancing SCI Prevention.”
The event brought together spinal cord injury survivors, persons with disabilities, caregivers, government representatives, health professionals, advocates and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun SCIAN and JONAPWD, Ayo Awobona, said the theme was a reminder that ten years of awareness must now produce concrete action.
Awobona drew attention to the Ogun State Disability Law, which was assented to on December 27, 2017, questioning the level of its implementation nearly nine years after its passage.
He said persons with disabilities were not asking for charity but for their rights, inclusion and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in society.
Also speaking, Mrs Funminiyi Olekama, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, urged society not to view persons with disabilities with pity but to recognize, respect and include them while creating opportunities for their participation.
The NSCDC Desk Officer for Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Oshinfade, emphasised prevention, highlighting road safety, accident prevention, proper first aid, appropriate trauma handling, rehabilitation, accessibility and inclusion.
The guest speaker, Dr. Olanrewaju Sodehinde, Director of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, spoke on “Navigating Spinal Cord Injury: Responses, Resilience and Way Out.” He highlighted the psychological, social and physical consequences of SCI and stressed the need for psychological care, rehabilitation, family support, social inclusion and economic empowerment.
The human side of the gathering emerged as survivors shared experiences of healthcare challenges, mobility difficulties, unemployment, financial pressure, social support and the struggle to adjust to life after injury. Despite the difficulties, their stories reflected resilience, courage and hope.
The Father of the Day, Chief Olayinka Sogelola, empathised with survivors and encouraged them to “wear the garb of happiness,” assuring them that they were not alone. He was subsequently honored as Life Patron of Ogun SCIAN and pledged to stand by the association.
Similarly, Dr. Kunle Ashimi, Patron of Ogun SCIAN, appreciated supporters of the association, stressing that assistance must be continuous because living with spinal cord injury is expensive.
In keeping with the theme of action, wheelchairs, a walking stick, armpit crutches and essential medical supplies were distributed to members of the association in need.
The event was supported by Hon. Ayodeji Adesina, SeedFi, the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as other partners, families and friends.
For Ogun SCIAN, however, the message from Saturday went beyond the celebration: the awareness has been created, the advocacy has been sustained, and the time has come for implementation.
