The Rebuilding Hope On Wheels Initiative (RHOWI), in collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injuries Association Of Nigeria (SCIAN) and the National Commission For Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), hosted the inaugural National Spinal Cord Injuries Conference in Nigeria. Held on July 31 and August 1, 2024, in Abuja, the event marked a significant step towards integrating persons with spinal cord injuries into the broader framework of disability-inclusive development in Nigeria.
Amina Audu, the CEO of RHOWI, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming participants and emphasizing the conference’s crucial role in fostering an inclusive society where individuals, regardless of physical abilities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development. Audu highlighted the conference theme, “The Place Of Persons With Spinal Cord Injuries In Disability-Inclusive Development In Nigeria,” underscoring the importance of integrating the unique perspectives, potentials, and abilities of individuals with spinal cord injuries into all aspects of national life. She noted that while spinal cord injuries present significant challenges, they also spur innovation, advocacy, and the implementation of policies that promote accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment.
The conference gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including medical professionals, researchers, policy implementers, advocates, and survivors of spinal cord injuries. Audu stated that the conference’s goal was to create a comprehensive framework addressing the medical and rehabilitative needs of persons with spinal cord injuries while ensuring their full participation in societal, economic, and political spheres. She encouraged attendees to draw inspiration from the resilience and determination of individuals with spinal cord injuries as they worked together to foster inclusion and promote equity. Audu also expressed gratitude to the partners and sponsors for their unwavering support.
Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, praised RHOWI and SCIAN for their remarkable initiative. He acknowledged Amina Audu’s commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and shared that the NCPWD had signed an agreement with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to produce assistive devices, addressing the shortage of such devices in Nigeria. Lalu mentioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to ensuring that all assistive devices needed in Nigeria would be produced locally. Agreements had been reached with four Nigerian institutions to start Disability Studies programs, and an MOU with Nasarawa State University had been signed to establish a center for Disability Studies. This center would offer five degree programs, including assistive technology, accessibility engineering, and disability-inclusive development, which would help produce experts in assistive devices in Nigeria. Lalu also urged the military to reintegrate officers who acquired disabilities in the line of duty, emphasizing their potential for rehabilitation and incorporation into other capacities. He promised to engage the President in reviving rehabilitation centers across the geopolitical zones, which would be free for persons with disabilities. Additionally, he proposed that military hospitals provide highly subsidized or free medical services for persons with disabilities. Lalu reiterated the NCPWD’s commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities in an exceptional manner.
Representing the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, a spokesperson declared the event open, noting the higher vulnerability of military officers to spinal cord injuries due to the nature of their job. The spokesperson conveyed the Chief of Defense Staff’s passion and concern for the health of officers who had suffered various injuries, acknowledging the physical and psychological components of these injuries. The spokesperson appreciated the organizers for inviting the military and assured that the military would always partner with commendable projects.
Dr. Chris Nwanoro, Africa Representative at the UN Committee On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities, praised the initiative and encouraged persons with disabilities to continue working hard. He pledged to collaborate with well-meaning organizations to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and shared his personal experience, demonstrating that hard work enables persons with disabilities to excel.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, CBM Global, JONAPWD, and the Minister Of Health, Namibia. Elma Burger, Chairperson of the African Spinal Cord Injury Network (AFSCIN), delivered the keynote address. There were several presentations, including “Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury in Nigeria” by Dr. Osundia Babatunde Ahmad, “Spinal Cord Injuries And Accessibility” by Kofo Davies-Otto from Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Services, Abuja, and “Empowering Persons With Spinal Cord Injuries: Towards Inclusive Policies And Programs In Education, Employment, Economic Empowerment, and Social Protection” by Ismail Iliyasu, National Planning And Organizing Secretary of JONAPWD. Dr. Ram Hariharan, a consultant in spinal cord injuries rehabilitation from the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, delivered a presentation on the “Role of Rehabilitation In Life after Spinal Cord Injuries.”
Dr. Kunle Ashimi, Ogun State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, discussed the intersection of climate, health, and disability for spinal cord injury survivors, while Hon. Alexia Manombe-Ncube, Deputy Minister for Disabilities in Namibia, shared insights from the Namibian experience. A panel session moderated by Amina Audu focused on lived experiences, providing a platform for personal stories and perspectives.
On the second day, Prof. Nasiru Jinjiri Ismail, a professor of neurosurgery and Provost of the College Of Health Sciences at the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, started the day with a presentation on deploying research, technology, and innovation towards managing spinal cord injuries and promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with spinal cord injuries in low and middle-income countries, using Nigeria as a case study. Prof. Rufai Ahmad, Registrar/CEO of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria, discussed inclusivity in para-medical services for persons with spinal cord injuries in Nigeria, highlighting challenges and pathways to improvement. Dr. Raju Dhakal, Director of the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center (SIRC) in Nepal, shared lessons from Nepal, while Dr. Guru Nagarajan illuminated lessons from India.
The conference also featured presentations on “Disability And Employment Law” by Barr. Rilwan Idris, “Psychological Issues during Spinal Cord Injuries” by Kosisochukwu Asogwa-Okoro, CEO of Praim Quete LTD, “Spinal Cord Injuries and Finances” by Engr. Chika Okwuolisa, CEO of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, and “Policy and Advocacy” by Dr. Adebayo Adebukola, a consultant at NCPWD.
The first National Spinal Cord Injuries Conference in Nigeria concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to create a more inclusive and equitable society for persons with spinal cord injuries. The conference’s success underscored the importance of collective efforts in promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and beyond.
