The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter (Ogun SCIAN), joins the global community to commemorate International Spinal Cord Injury Day today September 5, 2025, with this year’s theme: “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection.”
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing condition that often turns vibrant men and women into dependents overnight. In Nigeria, living with SCI is harrowing; survivors face daily struggles with mobility, unemployment, depression, poor access to healthcare, and social exclusion. Without proper rehabilitation facilities, many are left without hope, and families are drained emotionally and financially.
This year’s theme is a timely reminder of the urgent need to prioritize safety and awareness in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Falls remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries globally, yet they are largely preventable. For us in Ogun SCIAN, this theme highlights the power of simple but effective actions such as safer environments, improved infrastructure, and better education on fall risks to save lives and protect futures. Preventing falls does not only protect the spine, it protects families, preserves dignity, and sustains hope for countless Nigerians.
To our fellow SCI survivors, we say: do not give up. Though the journey is tough, you are not alone. With faith, resilience, and unity, we can turn pain into purpose and struggles into strength.
We also use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently establish a fully-equipped, comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre. This Centre would provide the essential life-long care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, vocational training, psychological support, educational support, mental health support and community reintegration that are not luxuries, but necessities for survival and productivity promoting overall independence of spinal cord injury survivors.
Finally, we humbly appeal to our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun (CON), to give the disability community in the state the long-awaited Disability Law and establish a Disability Commission or Agency to drive and implement the law. This law is the cornerstone of inclusion, justice, protection, empowerment and the full integration of persons with disabilities into the socio-economic fabric of our state.
Together, we can build a society where prevention, protection, and dignity are a reality for all.
Signed:
Mr. Ayodele Awobona – Chairman
Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (Ogun State Chapter)
