Abuja, Nigeria – September 5, 2025 – The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has joined the global community to commemorate World Spinal Cord Injury Day 2025, a day set aside to raise awareness, promote prevention, and spotlight the resilience of people living with spinal cord injuries.
This year’s theme, “Turning Challenges into Strength,” echoes the Commission’s renewed call for Nigeria to create an inclusive society where no person with a spinal cord injury is left behind.
Speaking in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the day as an important opportunity to reflect on the courage of millions of survivors who, despite daunting daily struggles, continue to contribute to society with extraordinary resilience.
“Spinal cord injuries change lives in an instant, but they do not erase dreams, dignity, or potential,” Hon. Gufwan said. “Behind every statistic is a human story—a son, a daughter, a parent—who deserves every chance to live fully and thrive. Today, we must look beyond the injury and see the person. At NCPWD, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking every barrier, challenging stigma, and building a Nigeria where no person with a spinal cord injury is left behind.”
A National Call to Action
Spinal cord injuries remain a major public health and social concern in Nigeria, with thousands of new cases recorded annually, largely as a result of road accidents, falls, and violence. Survivors often face lifelong challenges, including limited access to rehabilitation, mobility aids, employment, and community integration.
The NCPWD stressed that addressing these challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach, urging government agencies, the private sector, healthcare professionals, and civil society to play active roles in:
- Expanding access to emergency care and rehabilitation services.
- Making mobility aids and assistive technologies more affordable.
- Strengthening safety and prevention policies.
- Creating inclusive employment opportunities for survivors.
According to the Commission, spinal cord injury prevention and management must be seen not only as medical issues but as human rights and national development priorities.
Celebrating Resilience, Demanding Inclusion
For NCPWD, the commemoration of World Spinal Cord Injury Day is more than symbolic—it is a call to celebrate the resilience of survivors while pushing for policies that ensure their full inclusion. The Commission highlighted that with timely interventions and inclusive systems, persons with spinal cord injuries can and do live fulfilling, productive lives.
Hon. Gufwan emphasized that Nigeria must move beyond sympathy and charity-based approaches to disability, and instead focus on creating accessible environments, equal opportunities, and dignity-centered policies.
Global Solidarity, Local Commitment
World Spinal Cord Injury Day, observed annually on September 5, was established by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) to increase global awareness, prevent new cases, and advance the rights of persons living with spinal cord injuries.
This year, NCPWD’s message aligns with the global theme of resilience, strength, and inclusion. By urging Nigerians to stand in solidarity with survivors, celebrate their courage, and push for systemic change, the Commission seeks to place spinal cord injury awareness at the heart of national conversations on disability rights and inclusion.
As Hon. Gufwan summed up:
“Every Nigerian deserves the chance to dream, to achieve, and to thrive—regardless of ability. Together, we can build a society that turns challenges into strength, where no one is left behind.”
Looking Ahead
With its strong advocacy voice, NCPWD hopes that this year’s observance will serve as a turning point in how Nigeria addresses spinal cord injuries—not just in prevention, but in rehabilitation, empowerment, and inclusion.
The Commission reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to championing policies and programs that will transform lives, break stigma, and unlock opportunities for persons with spinal cord injuries across the country.
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