Lagos, Nigeria — The Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) has taken a bold step towards reshaping disability advocacy and governance in Nigeria with the inauguration and training of its newly elected Board of Trustees. Supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), the transformative retreat marked a historic turning point in SCIAN’s mission to amplify the voices of persons with spinal cord injuries and promote inclusive development across the country.
The retreat, which combined governance training with stakeholder engagement, ushered in the election of 12 distinguished board members who will steer the affairs of SCIAN in the coming years. The newly elected board includes: Amina Rahma Audu (Chairman), Oladimeji Sole (Vice Chairman), Chioma Maureen Egede (Secretary), AbdulWahab Matepo, Dr. Dahiru Faralu Ibrahim, Aliu Abdullah Biu, Effiong Affanga Okon, Dr. Samson Adedeji, David Obinna Anyaele, Olamilekan Arogundade, Kyautar-Allah Yakubu Guwal, and Ejikeme Nwachimereze Fineglo.
With these individuals at the helm, SCIAN is set to embark on a new era of strategic leadership, inclusivity, and visibility.
Stakeholders Rally Behind SCIAN’s New Leadership
The event attracted representatives from leading disability-focused organizations, dignitaries, and allies who expressed optimism about the association’s future.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, congratulated the newly elected trustees and charged them to serve with unity, vision, and accountability.
“This is a fresh chapter for SCIAN, and I believe the new board will inspire more progress and inclusion,” she stated.
Other goodwill speakers included Mrs. Joko Omotola, National President of the National Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disability of Nigeria, and Mr. Tolani Ojuri, Lagos State Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, who spoke on behalf of the national president. Mrs. Ada Dugan, President of the Cathedral Ladies Helpers Union, also pledged her organization’s support to SCIAN’s mission, commending the association for giving hope to persons with spinal cord injuries.
The goodwill speakers collectively urged SCIAN to strengthen caregiver sensitization programs to better support families and individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
A Call for Strategic Leadership and Accountability
A key highlight of the retreat was the governance and capacity-building session delivered by Mrs. Crystal Chigbu, CEO of the Social Good Company and Executive Director of the Irede Foundation. In her training, Mrs. Chigbu highlighted the “do’s and don’ts” of board membership, stressing the importance of visionary leadership, compliance with organizational rules, and active participation in fundraising and project implementation.
“As board members, it is your duty to take ownership of the organization’s growth, ensure compliance with the constitution, and lead by example in every office you hold,” she emphasized.
Her session also explored strategic planning, project execution, and organizational accountability, with a strong call for trustees to build sustainable partnerships and adopt innovative strategies to advance SCIAN’s impact nationwide.
Commitment to a Brighter Future
During the retreat, the newly elected board members pledged to work in synergy to:
- Increase SCIAN’s visibility nationwide,
- Expand public sensitization campaigns, and
- Foster stronger collaborations with like-minded organizations.
Their commitment signaled a renewed determination to ensure that persons with spinal cord injuries are not left behind in conversations around disability rights, inclusive governance, and social development.
The event concluded on a high note, with SCIAN extending heartfelt appreciation to the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for its generous sponsorship and unwavering support in strengthening disability advocacy structures in Nigeria.
A New Dawn for Disability Advocacy
For many attendees, the retreat was more than a training — it was the beginning of a new chapter of resilience and hope for persons with spinal cord injuries in Nigeria. With a revitalized board, strategic partnerships, and a clear roadmap for governance, SCIAN is positioning itself as a powerful voice for change, inclusion, and empowerment.
The association now looks forward to translating the energy of the retreat into tangible action, ensuring that persons with spinal cord injuries across Nigeria live with dignity, opportunity, and equal access to socio-economic development.
✨ SCIAN’s new journey has just begun — and the disability community in Nigeria is watching with renewed hope.
