Inclusivity/Gender
Polio survivor, and advocate champions inclusion in Nigeria
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
26 Oct 2025 02:25 PM
Benin, Edo – In a heartfelt personal account shared on Friday, to commemorate the World Polio Day,
Comrade Ann Ojugo, a polio survivor and Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo State, has opened up about her journey from a childhood marked by stigma to a life dedicated to advocacy and empowerment.
Her story, posted on social media, resonates as a powerful call to action amid ongoing discussions about polio eradication and the challenges faced by survivors in Nigeria.
Ojugo contracted polio at the age of two, a time when the disease was shrouded in misunderstanding, with some communities attributing it to curses or divine punishment.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, her mother’s unwavering support—carrying her to school daily until she received her first pair of crutches—became the cornerstone of her resilience.
“Her love and determination shaped the person I am today,” Ojugo wrote, emphasizing her commitment to “carry others too” through advocacy, leadership, and hope.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis within hours, predominantly affecting young children. Nigeria, once a global hotspot with one of the highest case numbers, celebrated a monumental victory in 2020 when it was declared polio-free, thanks to widespread vaccination campaigns and community efforts.
However, Ojugo reminds the public that the battle continues for survivors, who face a range of ongoing challenges—physical, social, and emotional.
In her post, Ojugo highlights the persistent barriers faced by polio survivors. Physically, many public buildings and schools remain inaccessible, lacking ramps or elevators. Socially, stigma persists, with individuals often judged by their disabilities rather than their abilities.
Employment discrimination further compounds these issues, particularly in Edo State, where opportunities for persons with disabilities are scarce.
“The barrier is not the wheelchair; it’s the mindset,” she asserts, underscoring the need to change perceptions as the first step toward true inclusion.
As a leading advocate, Ojugo leverages her role at JONAPWD to push for the full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
She collaborates with government ministries, hospitals, and schools to improve accessibility and provides survivors with mobility aids and livelihood training.
Her organization’s motto, “Nothing about us, without us,” reflects a demand for persons with disabilities to be included in decisions affecting their lives.
Ojugo’s call to action—“Join Us To End Polio Today”—urges the public to support the ongoing fight against polio’s lingering effects.
Comrade Ann Ojugo’s story is a testament to resilience and a rallying cry for a more inclusive society.
The theme of this year's event is, 'End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere'.
Comrade Ann Ojugo, a polio survivor and Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo State, has opened up about her journey from a childhood marked by stigma to a life dedicated to advocacy and empowerment.
Her story, posted on social media, resonates as a powerful call to action amid ongoing discussions about polio eradication and the challenges faced by survivors in Nigeria.
Ojugo contracted polio at the age of two, a time when the disease was shrouded in misunderstanding, with some communities attributing it to curses or divine punishment.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, her mother’s unwavering support—carrying her to school daily until she received her first pair of crutches—became the cornerstone of her resilience.
“Her love and determination shaped the person I am today,” Ojugo wrote, emphasizing her commitment to “carry others too” through advocacy, leadership, and hope.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis within hours, predominantly affecting young children. Nigeria, once a global hotspot with one of the highest case numbers, celebrated a monumental victory in 2020 when it was declared polio-free, thanks to widespread vaccination campaigns and community efforts.
However, Ojugo reminds the public that the battle continues for survivors, who face a range of ongoing challenges—physical, social, and emotional.
In her post, Ojugo highlights the persistent barriers faced by polio survivors. Physically, many public buildings and schools remain inaccessible, lacking ramps or elevators. Socially, stigma persists, with individuals often judged by their disabilities rather than their abilities.
Employment discrimination further compounds these issues, particularly in Edo State, where opportunities for persons with disabilities are scarce.
“The barrier is not the wheelchair; it’s the mindset,” she asserts, underscoring the need to change perceptions as the first step toward true inclusion.
As a leading advocate, Ojugo leverages her role at JONAPWD to push for the full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
She collaborates with government ministries, hospitals, and schools to improve accessibility and provides survivors with mobility aids and livelihood training.
Her organization’s motto, “Nothing about us, without us,” reflects a demand for persons with disabilities to be included in decisions affecting their lives.
Ojugo’s call to action—“Join Us To End Polio Today”—urges the public to support the ongoing fight against polio’s lingering effects.
Comrade Ann Ojugo’s story is a testament to resilience and a rallying cry for a more inclusive society.
The theme of this year's event is, 'End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere'.
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