Abuja, Nigeria — The Senior Special Adviser To President Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, in partnership with the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) FCT Chapter and Brain and Spine Foundation Africa (BSFA), on Friday organized a high-profile symposium in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury Day.
The event, themed “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection, Empowering Lives, Enhancing Opportunities,” brought together dignitaries from government, the medical community, civil society, the media, and leaders of the disability movement. The gathering underscored Nigeria’s growing commitment to spinal cord health, disability inclusion, and the urgent need to address preventable causes of spinal cord injuries such as falls and road crashes.
A Warm Welcome to a United Cause
In her welcome address, Chioma Maureen Egede, Chairman of SCIAN FCT Chapter, set the tone for the day with a heartfelt message of unity and urgency.
“Falls remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries globally, and here in Nigeria, the impact is deeply felt—across homes, workplaces, and public spaces. This theme challenges us to act: to educate, to innovate, and to advocate for safer environments and stronger support systems,” she declared.
Egede praised the progress made in rehabilitation, peer support, and awareness but stressed that the work is far from over. She called for inclusive infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and policies that protect the dignity of persons living with spinal cord injuries, adding:
“Together, we can build a future where spinal cord injuries caused by falls are not a tragic norm, but a rare exception.”
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, reassured participants of the Federal Government’s dedication to the cause.
He highlighted the administration’s interventions, which include provision of assistive devices, promotion of inclusive policies, and a strategic partnership with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB).
“My office has partnered with the MRTB to establish Medical Rehabilitation Centres across the country, with a strong focus on neuro-rehabilitation,” Isa announced, noting that the initiative is at the “situation assessment stage” but poised to transform Nigeria’s rehabilitation landscape.
He added:
“When fully implemented, this framework will offer renewed hope to countless individuals and families.”
Media Pledges to Amplify Voices
Also speaking, Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, raised alarm over alarming global statistics. According to her, over 15 million people currently live with spinal cord injuries worldwide, while nearly one million new cases were recorded in 2019 alone, with road crashes and falls contributing the highest numbers.
She pledged the NUJ’s unwavering support for the disability community:
“To our communities: create safer environments and raise awareness. To the media: amplify stories that matter, and keep disability at the heart of the public agenda. And to every individual: take personal responsibility—at home, at work, and on the road.”
Disability Leaders Demand Action
The symposium also provided a platform for disability rights leaders, including Comrade Chris Agbo, Lois Auta, and Ekaete Judith Umoh (who represented the United Nations at the event). They collectively called for:
- Stronger rehabilitation systems for survivors of spinal cord injury,
- Greater empowerment initiatives to restore independence and dignity, and
- Comprehensive medical care and prevention strategies to address both immediate and long-term challenges.
Their voices echoed a resounding call for inclusion and proactive measures to prevent spinal cord injuries in Nigeria.
A Day of Reflection and Resolve
The 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury Day symposium in Abuja was not just a gathering of stakeholders; it was a united front of policymakers, advocates, medical experts, and the media—each reaffirming their role in building a safer, more inclusive society.
The event closed with renewed determination to transform Nigeria’s approach to spinal cord injuries from one of reaction to prevention, from neglect to empowerment, and from exclusion to inclusion.
As the theme declared, “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection” is not just a slogan—it is a call to action to safeguard lives, empower survivors, and enhance opportunities for all.
Follow the The Qualitative Magazine channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanfIB50wajpjGi3JJ1G
