Persons With Disability: Breaking Barriers, Without Exceptions

About three million of the population in Lagos State are Persons with Disabilities, PwDs, who are mostly neglected, excluded and unable to access basic services including education, health, transport, infrastructure, employment, amongst others.

Among this huge population of PWDs are adolescents and youths in need of basic health care inclusive of Sexual Reproductive Health and Right, SRHR services.

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There is need to promote inclusive participation without exception for every child despite their disability as it is key to achieving the 2030 Development Agenda.

Daily, in Nigeria, PWDs are faced with the denial of their basic human rights as well as the right to play and join in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities amongst others.

The Child Rights Act says children should have access to safe environment to fulfill their full potential, Rights to healthcare, education, good life and it is only through the realization of these rights that Nigeria can achieve its potential.

These rights should be applied to all children without exception as every child must be protected from any type of discrimination against themselves or their parents as well as protection against rape, abuse or assault.

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In Nigeria, one in four girls and one in 10 boys will experience rape or assault by the age of 18.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the World to mark International Day of Persons with Disability with the theme: “promoting the participation of Persons With Disability and their leadership: Taking Action on the 2030 Development Agenda”, it is important that children should be given the avenue to explore their hidden talents in order to achieve their full potential.

To mark the global event in Lagos, Festus Fajemilo Foundation, FFF, a not- for – profit organisation with support from Liliane Fonds, Daughters of Charity and Stanbic IBTC organised a one-day talent show for PwDs

The show according to an elated mother, Mrs Agatha Kadiri is one that has brought out the best so far in her son, Daniel Kadiri who is living with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus, “I am very happy my 21 year old shy son could face the crowd and sing so well.”

Narrating her experience, she said, “after the birth of my son, I saw a big boil at the lower part of his spine. I didn’t know what it meant. I gave birth to him in a private hospital. Immediately, we were given a referral letter to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

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“The operation was done successfully and after three months. I noticed his eye balls shifted to one side. The doctor told me to pray and that my son’s head will become bigger than it was. The doctor at this stage still did not tell me what it was. After several enquires, I was informed that my son has Spina Bifida.

“I later noticed that the lower part of his limbs were not moving, I complained to the doctor and then we were referred to for physiotherapy. I thought, this stage was the last and then my son will be alright. I didn’t know it was a long journey. In fact, I invited a physiotherapist to my house and paid him, yet no improvement then I asked myself at a point, is this what i will go through in life?” Mrs Kadiri narrated.

She however complained of the poor attitude of medical staff during her frequent visits to the hospital and that prompted her inviting the physiotherapist to her home for treatment.

With various workshops by the foundation, Kadiri said, “I got to know more about his condition that, my son cannot control his stool and urine. And we were thought about Incontinence control being able to assist him in holding back urine or faeces.

Though on wheelchair, Mrs Kadiri said, Daniel has shown exceptional strength that portrays he is determined to live above his disability.

For Jayeola Emerald, a 13 year old living with hydrocephalus, is ready to fly higher and achieve her purpose in life, speaking with journalists, she said, “the condition has opened a lot of doors for me and my family.

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“At the foundation I was thought how to live with hydrocephalus and achieve my dreams. I can sing, write, draw and do a lot of stuff on my own.”

The senior secondary one student however, advises children living with one form of disability to break all barriers and chase their dreams, stressing that their parents should be a source of encouragement as they put efforts in their academics and careers.

On his part, the co-founder of the foundation, Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, said that the significance of the event is centred on breaking all barriers that prevent persons with disability to fully participate in the activities of the community.

He said, disability is not a disease or a crime but the attitude of people towards PwDs constitute barriers, stating that, “our children has exhibited different talents here today. A lot of guest were surprised and didn’t know these children can do much. All they need is the space and enabling environment to strive. The public should know that, despite these children disability, there is ability.”

Fajemilo said the level of awareness is very low especially with regards to the two conditions the foundation is focused on, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, adding that such lack of awareness is due to spiritual, cultural belief, as “people still attach stigma to medical issues of this nature and that stands as a stumbling block for accepting medical advice. We have to break the barrier of ignorance.

“Another issue is quality care. People who have these conditions, how do they access care. Are these services available or even affordable. The government should make available health insurance scheme for persons with disability and social system that supports their living so that it will not weigh down the parents of these children. That is why you see a lot of parents wanting to abandon their child for lack of capacity to care for them.”

He said the foundation has carried out seminars and workshop on Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus, adding that such activities has uplifted the spirit of these parents who care for their children with disability.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Yewande Falugba, as well as Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, the Assistant Director of Medical Affairs in LASODA, Mrs Adeshina Aino Christiana, said the international day is an opportunity to tell the world there is ability in disability.

The duo said the Lagos state government is doing all it can to ensure that persons with disability are given fair chance to life and as well live to fulfill their full potential.

The highlights of the events was the presentation of art works by the children ranging from Birthday cards, leader shoe, painting as well as presentation of awards to the children.

Just believe!Hide quoted text
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Emmanuel Ogbeche <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2019, 11:04 a.m.
Subject: Persons with disability: Breaking barriers, without exceptions
To: O. I. Tayo <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>

Persons with disability: Breaking barriers, without exceptions

By Ijeoma UKAZU

About three million of the population in Lagos State are Persons with Disabilities, PwDs, who are mostly neglected, excluded and unable to access basic services including education, health, transport, infrastructure, employment, amongst others.

Among this huge population of PWDs are adolescents and youths in need of basic health care inclusive of Sexual Reproductive Health and Right, SRHR services.

There is need to promote inclusive participation without exception for every child despite their disability as it is key to achieving the 2030 Development Agenda.

Daily, in Nigeria, PWDs are faced with the denial of their basic human rights as well as the right to play and join in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities amongst others.

The Child Rights Act says children should have access to safe environment to fulfill their full potential, Rights to healthcare, education, good life and it is only through the realization of these rights that Nigeria can achieve its potential.

These rights should be applied to all children without exception as every child must be protected from any type of discrimination against themselves or their parents as well as protection against rape, abuse or assault.

In Nigeria, one in four girls and one in 10 boys will experience rape or assault by the age of 18.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the World to mark International Day of Persons with Disability with the theme: “promoting the participation of Persons With Disability and their leadership: Taking Action on the 2030 Development Agenda”, it is important that children should be given the avenue to explore their hidden talents in order to achieve their full potential.

To mark the global event in Lagos, Festus Fajemilo Foundation, FFF, a not- for – profit organisation with support from Liliane Fonds, Daughters of Charity and Stanbic IBTC organised a one-day talent show for PwDs

The show according to an elated mother, Mrs Agatha Kadiri is one that has brought out the best so far in her son, Daniel Kadiri who is living with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus, “I am very happy my 21 year old shy son could face the crowd and sing so well.”

Narrating her experience, she said, “after the birth of my son, I saw a big boil at the lower part of his spine. I didn’t know what it meant. I gave birth to him in a private hospital. Immediately, we were given a referral letter to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

“The operation was done successfully and after three months. I noticed his eye balls shifted to one side. The doctor told me to pray and that my son’s head will become bigger than it was. The doctor at this stage still did not tell me what it was. After several enquires, I was informed that my son has Spina Bifida.

“I later noticed that the lower part of his limbs were not moving, I complained to the doctor and then we were referred to for physiotherapy. I thought, this stage was the last and then my son will be alright. I didn’t know it was a long journey. In fact, I invited a physiotherapist to my house and paid him, yet no improvement then I asked myself at a point, is this what i will go through in life?” Mrs Kadiri narrated.

She however complained of the poor attitude of medical staff during her frequent visits to the hospital and that prompted her inviting the physiotherapist to her home for treatment.

With various workshops by the foundation, Kadiri said, “I got to know more about his condition that, my son cannot control his stool and urine. And we were thought about Incontinence control being able to assist him in holding back urine or faeces.

Though on wheelchair, Mrs Kadiri said, Daniel has shown exceptional strength that portrays he is determined to live above his disability.

For Jayeola Emerald, a 13 year old living with hydrocephalus, is ready to fly higher and achieve her purpose in life, speaking with journalists, she said, “the condition has opened a lot of doors for me and my family.

“At the foundation I was thought how to live with hydrocephalus and achieve my dreams. I can sing, write, draw and do a lot of stuff on my own.”

The senior secondary one student however, advises children living with one form of disability to break all barriers and chase their dreams, stressing that their parents should be a source of encouragement as they put efforts in their academics and careers.

On his part, the co-founder of the foundation, Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, said that the significance of the event is centred on breaking all barriers that prevent persons with disability to fully participate in the activities of the community.

He said, disability is not a disease or a crime but the attitude of people towards PwDs constitute barriers, stating that, “our children has exhibited different talents here today. A lot of guest were surprised and didn’t know these children can do much. All they need is the space and enabling environment to strive. The public should know that, despite these children disability, there is ability.”

Fajemilo said the level of awareness is very low especially with regards to the two conditions the foundation is focused on, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, adding that such lack of awareness is due to spiritual, cultural belief, as “people still attach stigma to medical issues of this nature and that stands as a stumbling block for accepting medical advice. We have to break the barrier of ignorance.

“Another issue is quality care. People who have these conditions, how do they access care. Are these services available or even affordable. The government should make available health insurance scheme for persons with disability and social system that supports their living so that it will not weigh down the parents of these children. That is why you see a lot of parents wanting to abandon their child for lack of capacity to care for them.”

He said the foundation has carried out seminars and workshop on Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus, adding that such activities has uplifted the spirit of these parents who care for their children with disability.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Yewande Falugba, as well as Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, the Assistant Director of Medical Affairs in LASODA, Mrs Adeshina Aino Christiana, said the international day is an opportunity to tell the world there is ability in disability.

The duo said the Lagos state government is doing all it can to ensure that persons with disability are given fair chance to life and as well live to fulfill their full potential.

The highlights of the events was the presentation of art works by the children ranging from Birthday cards, leader shoe, painting as well as presentation of awards to the children.

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