Lagos, Nigeria — Stakeholders in the disability inclusion space have renewed calls for the full inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across all sectors of Nigerian society, urging families and communities to embrace diversity rather than conceal it due to stigma or misconceptions.
The call was made at an inspiring inclusive chess programme organised by Vulpes Inclusive Engagement (VIP) in partnership with Sightsavers, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Chess in Slums Africa. The event, themed “Inclusive Chess Day: Every Child Deserves a Move,” celebrated children with disabilities while using chess as a powerful medium to promote awareness, acceptance and social inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Principal Consultant for VIP, Onyinye Atuanya, emphasised that no society is perfect and that meaningful social change often begins with individuals who are willing to take bold, intentional steps. She encouraged parents of children with and without disabilities to cultivate open minds and allow their children to participate in inclusive spaces, even when the journey appears challenging at first.
According to Atuanya, exposure and participation are critical tools for reshaping perceptions and dismantling long-held stereotypes about disability.
“When we embrace persons with disabilities, we begin to truly see how our cities, systems and communities are not designed to cater to them. That realisation becomes the driving force that pushes society to do better,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of representation, noting that visibility helps normalise disability and inspires broader social change. Atuanya urged families of children with disabilities to advocate boldly for their rights, assuring them that civil society organisations, development partners and relevant stakeholders stand ready to offer support.
Describing chess as more than just a game, she said it is a powerful tool for inclusion that enhances cognitive development, builds social connections and creates safe spaces where children with disabilities can express themselves, grow in confidence and thrive.
She also called for the deliberate integration of inclusion into Nigeria’s education system from early childhood. In particular, she advocated the introduction of sign language in schools, describing it as a practical, achievable reform that would not only benefit children with hearing impairments but foster empathy and inclusive communication skills among all learners.
Also speaking at the event, General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, challenged deeply rooted misconceptions about disability, stressing that disability does not equate to a lack of intellectual capacity.
“Chess is a game that demands deep thinking, strategy and mental agility,” she noted. “Disability does not mean absence of intellect, and today’s event clearly demonstrates that children with disabilities can compete, learn and excel when given the right opportunities.”
In his contribution, renowned chess master and Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, described chess as a transformative tool capable of breaking social barriers and empowering children living with disabilities as well as those from underserved communities.
He explained that chess is fundamentally a game of the mind—one that allows anyone with an active intellect to participate meaningfully, regardless of physical challenges or social background.
“Chess gives children a voice, confidence and a sense of belonging,” Onakoya said. “It levels the playing field and proves that talent and intelligence are not limited by disability or circumstance.”
The Inclusive Chess Day served not only as a celebration of ability and diversity, but also as a powerful reminder that true inclusion requires deliberate action—from families, institutions, policymakers and society at large. As stakeholders continue to push for more inclusive communities, initiatives like this highlight the immense potential that can be unlocked when every child is given a chance to make a move.
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