… Like Nuj, others, interested parties buy support for PWDs
The Federal Government presents plans to establish medical rehabilitation centers for people with spinal cord injuries throughout the country, with a strong approach to Neuro’s rehabilitation.
Special Senior Assistant of the President on special needs and equal opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa revealed this in Abuja in the symposium with the theme: “Autumn prevention, protection of the spinal cord, empowerment of lives, opportunities improvements”, to commemo Vertebral
Excmo Isa, who delivered the opening speech on the occasion, reiterated the resolution of President Bola Tinubu to advance the health and inclusion of the disability of the spinal cord in Nigeria, ensuring that people with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries, are empowered to live full, dignified and productive lives.
He revealed that “the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of this reality and is working regularly to improve the quality of life of Nigerians living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities.
“Through specific interventions, the provision of assistance devices and the promotion of inclusive policies, the government is reaffirming its commitment to ensure that no citizen is denied access to health, dignity and opportunity.
“Association for rehabilitation: specifically, my office, the president’s special assistant office on special needs and equal opportunities has been associated with the Nigeria Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board (Registration) of Nigeria (MRTB) to establish medical rehabilitation centers throughout the country, with a strong approach to Neuro’s rehabilitation.
He said: “This initiative is currently in the stage of evaluation of the situation that carefully evaluates existing structures, the identification of gaps and the work for the development of a national policy on rehabilitation and a strategic plan.
“When it is completely implemented, this framework will transform the rehabilitation panorama in Nigeria and offer renewed hope to innumerable people and families.”
In his speech, the president of the Chapter of the Union of Journalists of Nigeria (NUJ), Comrade Grace Ike expressed a serious concern for world statistics that indicated that more than 15 million people live with injuries to the spinal cord, which contributed to more than 4.5 million years old lived with disabilities.
According to the registration, only in 2019, almost a million new cases were recorded. The shocks and falls of the road represent more than 700,000 of those lesions.
Comrade Ike, who was the special guest on World Spinal average lesions of 2025, who promised the determination of the union to support people with disabilities, including people with spinal cord injuries, asked the policy formulators that strengthen road safety laws, labor protections and health systems.
“To our communities: create safer environments and believe awareness. To the media: amplify the stories that matter and maintain disability in the heart of the public agenda. And to each individual: assume personal responsibility: at work, at work and on the way.”
For its part, the president, the spinal cord injury FCT chapter, Chioma Maureen Egede observed that the issue by 2025, ‘autumn prevention, protection of the spinal cord’, could not be more timely or urgent.
“Falls are still one of the main causes of spinal cord injuries worldwide, and here in Nigeria, the impact feels deeply: access homes, workplaces and public spaces. This issue challenges us to act: educate, innovate and advocate for safer environments and stronger support systems.
“As president of the Abuja chapter, I am proud of the advances we have made in the rehabilitation, the support of the peers and public participation. But today it reminds us that our work is far from finishing. We must continue to press for inclusive infrastructure, accessible medical care and policies that prioritize prevention and dignity for all.
“Let’s use this day to amplify the voices that are often not known. Let’s celebrate the courage of those who live with spinal cord injuries and honor the tireless efforts of families, caregivers and medical professionals who walk this trip next to them.
“Together, we can build a future where spinal cord injuries caused by falls are not a tragic norm, but an rare exception. That this meeting is a spark: a change of change, inspiring action and strengthening of our resolution.”
Also read the main stories of Nigerian Tribune
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos