By Esther Olaifa
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of World Spinal Cord Injury Day, the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Lagos Chapter, joined millions worldwide in calling for deliberate, sustained and more demanding action on spinal cord injury (SCI) prevention, rehabilitation and full inclusion.
The event, themed “From Awareness to Action: Ten Years Advancing SCI Prevention.” was convened by the association who brought together dignitaries, dedicated caregivers, spinal cord injury survivors and members of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter).
Keynote speaker Patience Akande, First Vice Chairman of SCIAN Lagos Chapter, stressed that awareness, while necessary, is no longer enough. “Deliberate, sustained and more demanding action is required,” she said.
Akande acknowledged progress made over the past decade in raising public understanding of spinal cord injury. However, she insisted that awareness must now translate into meaningful, measurable action. She called for a renewed commitment to prioritise prevention, expand access to rehabilitation, and build a society in which every individual, regardless of physical ability, can live with dignity, independence and full participation.
Genuine progress in SCI prevention, she noted, must begin upstream through safer road infrastructure, stricter occupational safety standards, responsible recreational practices, and swift, competent emergency response systems.
“Where injury does occur, rehabilitation must not be regarded as a privilege afforded to a few, but recognized as an essential right accessible to all who need it,” Akande added.
Taiwo Ayininuola, Chairman of SCIAN Lagos Chapter, reinforced the call for systemic reform. He urged the government to move beyond sympathy to concrete action.
He also demanded that the government “move from general road safety talks to enforcing strict transit regulations and mandating proper spinal extraction training for first responders
”Moving from optional wheelchair ramps to full enforcement of the Lagos State Special People’s Law across all public and commercial infrastructure.
”Moving from viewing persons with spinal cord injuries as passive recipients of care to engaging us as leaders, advisors, and experts in urban planning, transport, and healthcare.”
Ayininuola expressed the hope that the anniversary would mark the day Lagos State permanently shifts from talking about inclusion to building an accessible, safety-first environment for all.
Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), echoed the message.
She stated that awareness must translate into concrete interventions that prevent spinal cord injuries, promote rehabilitation, and improve the quality of life of those living with SCI.
LASODA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disability inclusion, promoting accessibility, supporting rehabilitation, and empowering persons with disabilities to live with dignity, independence and equal opportunities.
The agency pledged continuous collaboration with SCIAN and other stakeholders to build a more inclusive Lagos where every person, regardless of disability, can participate fully and contribute meaningfully to society. Oyetunde-Lawal also commended SCIAN for its unwavering advocacy and community-building efforts.
The event featured a health screening and a practical health talk titled “From Injury to Independence: The Role of Physiotherapy in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care,” delivered by physiotherapists PT. Abdulkhaliq Abdulrasaq and PT. John Ihua.
Other activities included a historical reflection by National Chairman Mr. Abdulwahab Matepo on the journey of SCIAN Lagos Chapter, as well as powerful lived-experience testimonies. Members including Ms. Tope Adeyemi, Semilore Roberts, Mr. Bello and Mr Bosun Kosoko shared the daily challenges they face in accommodation, education, transportation and healthcare.
