LAGOS — The air was charged with excitement and inspiration on Monday, October 20th, as the week-long activities marking the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 2025 (#WSBHD25) commenced in grand style at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The event, organized by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Nigeria (SBHAN) in collaboration with the Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF) and Neurokids50, kicked off with a wheelchair basketball novelty match that brought together young champions living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH), their families, and key stakeholders in the disability inclusion space.
The vibrant opening activity took place at the NIS Basketball Court, where SBH champions showcased not their challenges, but their strengths, confidence, and determination. With the guidance of a professional wheelchair basketball coach and dedicated assistants, the athletes displayed the result of weeks of training and nurturing — embodying courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in their potential.
As the whistle blew and the game intensified, the court came alive with energy, laughter, and cheers from spectators. Parents, teachers, and guests could not contain their excitement as they watched the young stars maneuver their wheelchairs with agility and shoot hoops with remarkable precision. It was a powerful reminder that disability is not inability — and that with opportunity and support, every child can shine.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Hassan Funmilayo, the Acting National President of SBHAN, expressed joy over the successful kickoff, describing the event as “a celebration of ability, inclusion, and hope.” He commended the participants for their courage and thanked partners for their unwavering support in promoting sports and empowerment among persons with disabilities.
The atmosphere was further electrified as Hon. Akeem Kelani, who represented the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, officially flagged off the novelty match. Other notable attendees included the Executive Director of Festus Fajemilo Foundation, Mr. Afolabi Fajemilo; Ms. Lara Fernandez, Coordinator of Neurokids50 Nigeria; representatives of the National Institute of Sports (NIS); National Wheelchair Basketball Senior Players; and the Principal and teachers from LUTH/CMUL Community Muslim Schools, Idi Araba.
The event also featured an award presentation segment where all players received medals, certificates of participation, and trophies — symbolizing their triumph over barriers and their commitment to sporting excellence. The presentation ceremony was a deeply emotional moment, with many parents seen smiling through tears of pride as their children were celebrated on the court.
In his remarks, Mr. Afolabi Fajemilo of the Festus Fajemilo Foundation emphasized the importance of inclusion and continuous advocacy for persons living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, urging more stakeholders to “accelerate action for SBH awareness and disability inclusion across Nigeria.”
The novelty match was not just a sporting event — it was a statement of empowerment and resilience. It reinforced the message that children and youths with disabilities deserve equal opportunities to explore their talents, thrive in their passions, and live fulfilling lives.
The SBHAN leadership extended heartfelt appreciation to all partners and supporters, particularly @neurokids50, @FFFoundation, and SBHAN executives and members, whose collaboration made the event a success.
As the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Week continues, SBHAN calls on government agencies, the private sector, and the general public to join in the advocacy for inclusion, accessibility, and equitable opportunities for persons with SBH and other disabilities.
With events like this, one thing is clear — the narrative is shifting from disability to ABILITY, from exclusion to INCLUSION, and from sympathy to EMPOWERMENT.
