Inclusivity/Gender
SCIAN urges Ogun to establish rehabilitation centre, disability agency
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
15 Sep 2025 04:05 AM
Abeokuta, Ogun – The Ogun State chapter of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) has appealed to the state government to prioritize the creation of a dedicated rehabilitation centre and a comprehensive disability agency to better support individuals with spinal cord injuries and other forms of disabilities.
The urgent call was issued during the local commemoration of the 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, observed globally on September 5 under the theme “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection.”
The event, which featured advocacy sessions, community outreach, and discussions on injury prevention, underscored the rising incidence of spinal cord injuries in Nigeria due to falls, road accidents, and other preventable causes.
SCIAN's Ogun State Chairman, whose leadership has been instrumental in regional advocacy efforts, highlighted the lack of specialized facilities as a major barrier to rehabilitation and inclusion.
“Persons with spinal cord injuries in Ogun State continue to face immense challenges without proper support structures,” the chairman stated
It added, “We implore Governor Dapo Abiodun to establish a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre and a disability agency that would coordinate services, policy implementation, and empowerment programs for the disabled community.”
The association emphasized that falls remain a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly in domestic and workplace settings, and called for heightened public awareness campaigns to promote safety measures.
This aligns with broader national efforts, as SCIAN chapters across states like Abia, Enugu, and the FCT have similarly urged governments to invest in rehabilitation infrastructure during the awareness month.
The appeal echoes recent federal announcements, where the Nigerian government revealed plans to set up medical rehabilitation centres nationwide, focusing on neuro-rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients.
However, SCIAN stressed that state-level initiatives are crucial for localized impact, especially in Ogun, where industrial activities and urban growth exacerbate risks.
The chapter also renewed calls for collaboration with agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and state emergency services to enhance accessibility and emergency response for wheelchair users.
As Nigeria observes the full Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month throughout September, the Ogun SCIAN's plea highlights the ongoing need for inclusive policies.
The association expressed optimism that the state government's response could set a precedent for other regions, fostering a more supportive environment for persons with disabilities.
The urgent call was issued during the local commemoration of the 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, observed globally on September 5 under the theme “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection.”
The event, which featured advocacy sessions, community outreach, and discussions on injury prevention, underscored the rising incidence of spinal cord injuries in Nigeria due to falls, road accidents, and other preventable causes.
SCIAN's Ogun State Chairman, whose leadership has been instrumental in regional advocacy efforts, highlighted the lack of specialized facilities as a major barrier to rehabilitation and inclusion.
“Persons with spinal cord injuries in Ogun State continue to face immense challenges without proper support structures,” the chairman stated
It added, “We implore Governor Dapo Abiodun to establish a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre and a disability agency that would coordinate services, policy implementation, and empowerment programs for the disabled community.”
The association emphasized that falls remain a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly in domestic and workplace settings, and called for heightened public awareness campaigns to promote safety measures.
This aligns with broader national efforts, as SCIAN chapters across states like Abia, Enugu, and the FCT have similarly urged governments to invest in rehabilitation infrastructure during the awareness month.
The appeal echoes recent federal announcements, where the Nigerian government revealed plans to set up medical rehabilitation centres nationwide, focusing on neuro-rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients.
However, SCIAN stressed that state-level initiatives are crucial for localized impact, especially in Ogun, where industrial activities and urban growth exacerbate risks.
The chapter also renewed calls for collaboration with agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and state emergency services to enhance accessibility and emergency response for wheelchair users.
As Nigeria observes the full Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month throughout September, the Ogun SCIAN's plea highlights the ongoing need for inclusive policies.
The association expressed optimism that the state government's response could set a precedent for other regions, fostering a more supportive environment for persons with disabilities.
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