The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Disability

  • Students provide tech solutions to disability

    A Team of students from the University of Ibadan (UI)  has won N500,000 prize for coming up with the best app to support people living with disabilities in this year’s CampusLabs Disability Hackathon.

    Team Afia developed an app that people living with disabilities could use to connect with providers of basic social services, thereby easing their access to such services.

    The hackathon was supported by a public diplomacy grant from the United States Consulate in Lagos.

    Team Afia was one of the seven teams (made up of 26 students) that participated in the challenge to find technology-based solutions to various challenges facing physically challenged people.

    The apps were developed following training and discussions with people living with disabilities and families to learn more about their challenges.

    The boot camp, which held From April 13-18 at the UI, was facilitated by three Mandela Washington Fellows -Emeka Ossai (CEO, CampusLabs), Busola Majekodunmi and Tobiloba Ajayi,

    All seven teams in the pitch competition came up with varying technological solutions after meeting with families and to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face.

    Speaking last Thursday at the grand finale of the hackathon hosted at UI, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Russell Brooks lauded the students for working to improve accessibility and mobility for people living with disabilities.

    Brooks, who also served as a member of the jury for the pitch competition, explained that hackathons provide opportunities for solving problems in novel ways.

    “The United States government is proud to support initiatives like this which seek to leverage the exponential power of technology to solve problems and promote a culture of social innovation and inclusion,” Brooks noted.

    He explained that about 15 per cent of Nigeria’s population – representing 25 million people – has disability and called for concerted efforts to promote inclusion and reduce the obstacles they face.

    “Inclusion is a good indicator of how much we value and respect human life. We must become more actively involved in creating a more inclusive environment for all,” he said.

    UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka, who attended the event alongside principal officers of the institution, expressed his commitment to supporting students working hard to promote inclusion of people living with disabilities.

    CampusLabs works across Nigerian universities to raise a community of budding social entrepreneurs capable of implementing high-impact projects that benefit their local communities.

  • I’M A CRIPPLE WITH CLASS -Physically-challenged House of Assembly aspirant

    Nasiru Abdullahi Baura’s is a clear case of deformity not being synonymous with disability. In spite of his deformity, he has ventured into terrains that are dreaded by able-bodied men, including the establishment of a bicycle manufacturing business, contesting election into the House of Assembly and even nursing the ambition to one day become the nation’s number one citizen! He spoke about his life and ambitions, in this encounter with SANI MUHAMMAD SANI

    How would you introduce yourself?

    My name is Nasiru Abdullahi Baura. I was born in Baura community in Talatar Mafara Local Government Area, Zamfara State. I did my primary school in Baura and my secondary school in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State. I proceeded to obtain my National Certificate of Education (NCE) at the Collegeof Education, Maru in Maru Local Government Area, where I read English and Economics. I have now applied, screened and gained admission for a degree programme at Al-Nahda International University, Niger Republic. They will soon open their branch here in Zamfara State. I am the sole owner of this crippled bicycle manufacturing workshop.

    How were you able to save money to do all this?

    It is here that I was able to save money to purchase expression of interest form from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contested for a seat in the House of Assembly. I purchased the form with my own money at the cost of N450,000. The actual cost of the form was N800,000, but anyone with disability is privileged to have a discount. I did everything any other politician and contestant can do in terms of sponsoring myself with the money provided by my own sweat in that election.

    You know, the APC here is factionalised. There is the governor’s faction and there is the other one called the G8. I am on the side of the G8. Why I am not with the government faction is because of the injustice I was exposed to right from my local government. They did not give me attention when they called for contestants before the election, so I decided to pledge allegiance to the Deputy Governor, Malam Wakkala, who is also not in the same faction with the governor. I pledged my support to him and they warmly welcomed me and accepted me into their fold.

    What motivated you to contest the election?

    I did not contest because I am desperate to be in the state House of Assembly; I contested out of the sheer need to contribute positively to the development of my community. I felt I am educationally enlightened. I have my industry here and there are so many things that the people of my community are lacking. For example, from Jangebe town to our community is just between five and eight kilometres, but I cannot not go there during the rainy season because there is a small river which we all have to cross. So, because of lack of such infrastructural development, I decided to contest for the state assembly to ensure that my people are provided with this basic development that can go a long way to alleviate their predicaments.

    I always look at myself not as a cripple. I am not crippled as far I am concerned. That is the way I look at myself. I am full of health and energy. The only thing I cannot do is get up and walk. But I can challenge my spirit and my mind. May be if I am not crippled, I might not have achieved what I have achieved now; even if there are legs for sale now, I will not buy them because I don’t need them. It is possible that I am up and doing only because I am without functional limbs.

    I am here under the sun working with my apprentices every day. I cannot beg. Why should I? There is no cogent reason why I should, because If I have a problem of N300,000, I can settle it without anybody knowing. I cannot beg anyone to do it for me. And there are people who want this industry to flourish. They buy the bicycles and donate them to crippled individuals. And there are governmental organisations that look down on us, who feel it is better they go to China or Kaduna and other parts of the world to purchase this type of bicycles. How can Nigeria progress with that kind of attitude?

    If you look around Gusau, you cannot see any other tribe begging; it is only our people that beg. Is this how they want us to continue? Our leaders don’t want the progress of the downtrodden. They cannot stop the killings here and there. The number of disabled persons is always on the rise. There are people who become disabled from most of these attacks. If you are not killed, you might lose a limb.

    If someone looks at me and feels that I am a laughing stock because I am always in the sun welding iron, I think I am the one to laugh at the person, because they are not self-reliant like me. Anyone who gives alms and wants me to collect it should keep it or give it to someone else. If anyone comes and is dashing out like N10,000 across the street, I will not go there.

    What motivated you into this venture?

    I believe our religion, Islam, did prescribe begging. So when I was in primary school, I envisaged myself begging and it gave me terror. I told myself that I would not beg. There is nothing worth doing in begging, even though I was following some beggars to places like Lagos after I completed special education school in Sokoto State. There were some crippled persons that I usually followed to Lagos. I went to those states and saw how people looked at beggars with distaste and animosity. So, I said this is not my kind of business. You cannot beg if you value  self-respect. That was why I decided to invest in this project.

    I know there are trying times when we spend one or two months without a single customer, but there are times when the business booms.

    Aside from this business of manufacturing bicycles, I’m also into perfume and lace business. I sometimes go to Lagos to buy perfume, lace and other clothing materials. At times, I send someone to buy them for me. By this time last year, I had already purchased them and put them on my bicycle, going round the place to sell, especially when bicycle business is low. Some people who buy the materials on credit are still owing me, and even without payment, I am still progressing, determined to succeed; not to just lie down and wait for assistance. I will soon send someone to Lagos to buy the stock for me. I want a situation where I can give to others more than they are giving to cripples. These are the things that motivate and keep me going.

    Who are your customers?

    My biggest customer is Haruna Abdullahi, a DPR director. He is in charge of Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. He is a nice gentleman who usually buys between two and ten bicycles and gives them out to cripples like me, and he assists them to go to school. I am sure that if Haruna Abdullahi becomes a governor or president, he will surely help the disabled. When my wife was recently delivered of a baby, I did all that was necessary materially for the naming ceremony. What we want is for people to buy our product. I now have an order of 10 bicycles from the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP).

    That is what we want. Buy from us or do something that we will benefit from, like the Zakaat and endowment fund; they were the establishment that gave me the generator. It is the same Zakaat endowment fund that comes to me most of the time to purchase bicycles and give to some of the crippled ones that are attending schools, some of whom are in tertiary institutions. They have been doing that for the past 10 years. It is because of that, that I am able to take care of myself and not waiting for someone to take care of me.

    Where did you learn to assemble the bicycles?

    It is just curiosity, interest. No one taught me. When I was in secondary school, there was a woman who asked us for someone who would construct a bicycle for her, and we told her that we could. That was in Tsafe Local Government years back. So, my friend and I went and bought iron rods, met a welder and we constructed it. We would go and take a measurement of the part of the bicycle we wanted to produce and then we would come back and weld what we had measured. That was how we constructed the first bicycle.

    That was how I started. Afterwards, I started buying the iron rods and would call a welder to my workshop with his equipment, instruct him on what to do and pay him. Sometimes I would collect the welding machine and do some parts of it. Later, I started doing it myself when the welders started disappointing me. That was how I progressed.

    What is your ambition in this business?

    I have a very big ambition. If I am alive, it is with this business that I want to assist my community. I have started doing that. From time to time, I ensure that I make provision to donate a bicycle to a crippled person. Sometimes I buy them books. At other times, I give them transportation money or any other thing I can afford. It is from this business that I want to contest any election. I will contest the presidency if I am alive, getting the money to sponsor myself from this business. It is God that gives power to whom He wants at the time He wants.

    There was a time during a political function at City King where our political party wanted to have a consensus candidate. When all the contestants were called to come forward, as I was moving, I overheard some of the security personnel that attended the function saying in English: “How is it that there is a crippled person among the contestants?” I turned around and challenged them in English. I said, ‘Look at me, I am a physically-challenged person with disability, crawling on my four limbs. I have a zeal not only to become self-reliant but to also play the role of a defender of the less-privileged in the society. Don’t think that we cannot contribute anything to the society.’

    When she heard and knew that I could speak English, she started saying, ‘I swear, I didn’t say that.’ I said no, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in this condition. They were ashamed.

    We face a lot of challenges. Sometimes I overhear people saying that the world has come to an end, look at a cripple man contesting an election. What they forgot is, there are some former Nigerian presidents who cannot walk. Some of them lost their sights before they died. Now, if you think it is only a privileged person that can contest an election, what do you think of these people as an example? If money can buy them legs or eyesight, they have all the money to buy. Why should we cripples always wait in political functions or government functions until we are given alms?

    Have you trained other people in this business or you have plan to do so in the near future?

    I have trained a lot of people. These bicycles we are manufacturing are painted by cripples who I call when the bicycles are ready, and I pay them when they finish. There are other cripples who can do one thing or the other in the area of repairs. So, if someone’s bicycle needs repairs, I usually send him to one of them here in Gusau. Some of them are at Kantin Daji; they come here to assemble one or two things. It is difficult to tell disabled persons to come and learn a trade; they prefer awuf, because if you can use N1,000 in a day, it won’t be enough for a beggar, because it is easy money that they want, which they can spend within minutes and move to another place to get more. But if it is their sweat, they know they cannot do that; it is a must that they have to spend N400 and save some of the rest or reinvest it.

    What appeal do you have for industrialists and government to assist in this effort?

    Calling on government to do anything is very difficult, because if we urge the government to do something, it will not. No one can do anything for you except God. If you are crippled and you are waiting for government to do something for you, then you are wasting your time. They don’t even see you, talk less of doing something for you. Just get up and get a profession. Why should anyone wait for government rather wait for a customer who will come and buy from you? I cannot cross that road to collect N10,000 if someone is sharing it. The money you get from your sweat has much more value than the money someone gave you for nothing sake.

    This is my workshop. I am not paying the owner a kobo, and I know he’ll only need it when he intends to develop it, and I have plan to buy a place where that will replace this and I can call my own. We pray that the government would look into our plight, but I am not going to make any request from the government, especially our kind of government in Zamfara State.

    Were you born without limbs or you lost them in the journey of life?

    I lost my limbs when I was between nine and ten years old. There was a tree that fell down in front of our house, and we were playing on it, climbing and jumping down from it. Then I fell down, and by the time I woke up, I lost all my memories. I couldn’t even remember that I was playing on that tree or remember anything before then. That was it.

    What advice do you have for youths that are not crippled but refuse to learn a vocation?

    I want them to know that they should have the fear of God and redress. It is a must by the teachings of our religions that one must seek knowledge. They should go and do so. Have a profession no matter how small it is. It is important. Most of the killings in our society today occur because of lack of profession. Look at government retirees, they spent over 30 years serving the government and the government is not assisting them with the basic needs of their lives. If you are a security man, you know how to fire a gun. Now you don’t have a job, how can people be at peace?

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    If you are a youth and you see a car which attracts you or see a lady that attracts you, how can you marry her? How can you buy the car when you don’t have anything doing for a living?

    How many wives and children do you have?

    I had a wife and six children, but their mother has died.

  • LASG educates parents on rights of children living with disability

    In renewed effort towards making life more bearable for children living with disability in various parts of Lagos State, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Social Development, has enlightened parents of children in this category of the rights of their children.

    The enlightenment session held during the second Annual Stakeholders’ Forum on Disability with the theme: “Knowing the Rights of Children Living with Disabilities”.

    Addressing the parents present at the event, the Special Adviser, Mrs Joyce Onafowokan, commended them for the interest shown in attending the forum. She said the event was organised to further address the thorny issues affecting children living with disabilities in our society, particularly Lagos State.

    According to the Special Adviser, Ambode is committed to making life more meaningful for every child living with disability in the state.

    She disclosed that since the first annual Stakeholders’ Forum in November, 2017, there had been noticeable improvement in the skills required for effective handling and management of children living with disability by parents and guardians.

    Onafowokan therefore said this year’s edition of the Stakeholders’ Forum was meant to reveal the basic rights of children living with disability and to strengthen the partnership between parents and other stakeholders for the benefit of the society as a whole.

    In her presentation at the occasion, Associate Professor/Consultant, Pediatrician, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. B.A. Animashaun stated that before 2006, there was no specific global policy relating to the rights of children living with disability.

    However, she recalled that the United Nations Organisation, in 2006, adopted a convention that spelt out the rights of our children with disability. According to her, the convention became a legal entity.

    Animashaun  acknowledged that even though there are many challenges that people in the category face, she revealed that the UN convention was meant to promote the fact that these  children have equal rights with others.

    ”They are entitled to social protection just like every other person; there should be no discrimination against them. Nobody should refer to them as handicapped or physically challenged. We should respect them for their dignity, and humanity”, she stated.

    She advised that parents should always focus on the positive aspects of their lives and do all that is necessary to boost their confidence.

    Similarly, Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education,  Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, who spoke on “Ability in Disability’ said the children living with disability should not be relegated to the background, as they are entitled to free education up to secondary school level in Lagos State.

    She charged parents to be attentive towards the learning style of their wards. “Remember, your influence outweighs others”, she stated.

    Director, Office of the Public Defender, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi also educated parents at the occasion about the various laws the State  Government had promulgated for the defence and benefit of children living with disabilities.

    She advised the parents that it is illegal for anyone to disrespect the children by way of violence, neglect or discrimination. She urged the parents to desist from such acts and report any such cases in their midst through the Mandatory Reporting System available in Lagos State.

  • Person ‘first’, disability ‘second’, counsellors told

    Breaking all Barriers (BAB), an advocacy club for people with learning disabilities and special needs, is urging counsellors in schools to accord priority to individuals’ personality, before considering whether he or she has a disability.

    The club exposed the counsellors to training on sexual reproductive health rights of special needs people at Ritas Event & Suites, New Oko-Oba, Abule Egba Lagos.

    BAB is an offshoot of Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), a not-for-profit body dedicated to holistic development, empowerment, awareness of sexual reproductive rights, challenges, as well as the well-being of children with disabilities in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Seyi Sanjo-Bankole, project officer of BAB, lectured the Guidance Counsellors on various ways to help persons with disabilities gain life skills training. He underscored the importance of teaching them good self-image, how to love themselves, understanding temperaments, character development and sexuality education.

    She said: “These skills ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development through education for sustainable lifestyles. It will make them make informed decisions, communicate effectively and develop the coping and self-management skills needed for a healthy and productive life.”

    Speaking of sex education Mrs. Olawuyi-Olawale, a member of the team, encouraged Guidance Counsellors to inform children with or without disabilities about their sexuality as soon as they start asking questions.

    “There’s no right or wrong time to give this information out when we come in contact with them. I always tell parents to start sex education when a child starts asking questions and learn to simplify your answers. Don’t let them get to adolescence before you teach them sex education because by that time they would have gotten wrong information from their peers. No child with or without disabilities should start his/her first period or wet dream without being informed  ways of approaching sex education; self-care, physical changes in the body for both sexes. With all these information you see them negotiating without being abused,” she said.

    In the course of the training, two facilitators, also physically-challenged, Miss Olufunke Ogunrombi and Mr. Daniel Onwe shared their experiences as persons with disabilities. They urged people to change their perception that disable individuals are helpless or a liability to the society.

    “We see them in a kind of sympathetic way. We tend to see it as punishment to a person; we make people with disability to feel uncomfortable,” said Miss Ogunrombi.

    “‘God doesn’t specifically endow some and refuse some with endowment, God has a way of compensating people and even overcompensating for whatever disadvantage the disabilities have. It is to the advantage of the society but ignorantly they shut them out because they are disabled. As far as I am concern my disability has brought me so many benefits. Disability does not stop anybody from achieving what he/she wants to achieve,”‘ said Onwe.

    Going down memory lane, Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, BAB’s project leader and FFF founder, said the NGO, established in 2006, focuses on two neurological conditions-spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

    Spina bifida is a birth defect in which a developing baby’s spinal cord fails to develop properly, while hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain.

    Fajemilo said FFF envisions a Nigeria where individuals with either of the two medical disorders can access quality health care and support.

    Fajemilo said foundation desires to train 210 senior secondary schools in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos through the Guidance Counselors.

    The representative of The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mr Alejo Adegboyega Adeoye encouraged other guidance counselors who want to be in the project to register themselves and other children with special needs.

  • Stroke common cause of disability, says expert

    The President, Nigerian Stroke Organisation (NSO), Prof. Yomi Ogun, has described stroke as the commonest cause of disability and the second largest cause of preventable deaths globally.

    Ogun made the assertion at a campaign in Lagos to raise awareness on the prevention of stroke in commemoration of the 2017 World Stroke Day.

    The theme for the 2017 World Stroke Day is: “What is Your Reason for Preventing Strokes?”

    He said: “World Stroke Day marks every Oct. 29 provides an annual opportunity for stroke stakeholders to coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns and build commitment to reducing the burden of stroke at global, regional and local level.

    “By creating a global platform from which we can speak out, World Stroke Day amplifies our individual voices and brings more people into the conversation about stroke prevention, treatment and support,’’ an Online publication-worldstrokecampaign said.

    “NSO today joined the global calls for urgent action to prevent stroke and respond to new data, which indicates stroke as being responsible for years of life lived with disability worldwide in 2016.

    “Stroke happens when the blood supply to parts of the brain is cut off, without the blood, brain cell can be damaged or die, affecting a person’s body, mobility, speech and how they think or feel.

    “There are estimated 17 million stroke cases worldwide each year and at least, 200, 000 of which occur in Nigeria.

    “In Nigeria today, stroke is the most medical emergency in all teaching hospitals, while other hospitals account for up to eight to 10 neurological hospital admission.”

    According to Ogun, the theme for 2017 focuses attention on creating awareness on the risk factors and preventive measures by all stroke stakeholders.

    “Stroke can affect anyone, can occur anywhere and at any time; it calls for urgent mass health education on strategies to prevent first and recurrent strokes.

    “We know that 90 per cent of strokes are associated with risk factors that we can all do something about.

    “They include the control of high blood pressure, doing moderate exercise, stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake and also maintaining healthy diet, amongst others.

    “Addressing the risk factors will not just have major impact on stroke prevention, but will also prevent deaths from other non-communicable diseases,” Ogun said.

    The president of the organisation said that giving urgent priority to prevention would yield obvious benefits in terms of reduced human, social and economic cost.

    Also, Prof. Mustapha Danesi, the Board of Trustee of the organisation, said it was important for the public to note that stroke was potentially preventable and treated when presented early.

    Danesi said: “The important thing is if a stroke case is presented within one hour of noticing, the better the chance of recovery.

    “We are here to draw the attention of the public to the devastating effect of stroke to the populace, as a public health, as well as a disease.

    “It is important because, we have to stop the myth and believe that once a person develops stroke, one will no longer be useful.”

    NSO Vice-President Prof. Njideka Okubadejo, said the key steps to prevent stroke include checking the blood pressure and blood sugar to know personal risk factors.

    “Eating a healthy balanced diet, avoid excessive salt intake, engage in moderate exercise five times a week and learn to recognise warning signs of stroke.

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Give free healthcare, education for children with disability’

    Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Care Foundation (SBHCF), on Wednesday called on the government at all levels to provide free healthcare and education for children with disability in the country.

    Mrs Olubunmi Lawal, the Founder of the organisation made the plea at an event to commemorate the Maiden Edition of the world Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 2017 in Abuja.

    The World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 2017 is commemorated on October 25 annually, with the theme: ‘Better Parenting, Leaving no one behind’’.

    She explained that spina bifida is a birth defect that happens when a baby’s backbone (spine) does not form normally, while hydrocephalus means there is extra fluid in and around the brain of a child which causes it to enlarge.

    She stated that it was pertinent for government to invest and be committed in providing free education and quality healthcare for children with disabilities as their needs were enormous.

    She said: “It is challenging to have a child with disability and the health care system does not put into consideration children with special needs, neither are they given preferential treatment in hospitals or schools.

    “Children are born with severe abnormalities that affect the brain and spinal cord; some are born without skull, eyes, limbs, or abdomen and these anomalies occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy.

    “Mothers will have to carry these children on their backs, while standing on the queue in various hospitals, with no provision of trolleys or wheel chairs to assist them.

    “The treatment and investigation requires CT- SCAN, rehabilitation and X-trays are very expensive and financially draining, that is why we are pleading with the government to provide quality healthcare.”

    According to Lawal, the day was aimed at identifying, encouraging, and advocating for women and children with special needs as well as to create awareness and sensitise citizens to accept them.

    She decried the level of marginalisation persons and children with disabilities encounter in the society, noting that it was pertinent for the government to invest in providing free education for them.

    “The challenges are enormous, mothers face psychological and emotional trauma when they are rejected and abandoned by their spouses. Parents lose their jobs, children labelled and called names like witches, ill luck, and demons while some are raped and used as rituals.

    “These challenges could be minimised if the government does the needful by supporting and providing free healthcare and education,” she said.

    She further urged the government to prioritise the needs of children with disabilities so they could enjoy good health and contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

  • ‘Stroke common cause of disability, preventable deaths’

    The Stroke is the commonest cause of disability and the second largest cause of preventable deaths globally, President, Nigerian Stroke Organisation (NSO) Prof. Yomi Ogun has said.

    Ogun made the assertion at a campaign in Lagos to raise awareness on the prevention of stroke in commemoration of the 2017 World Stroke Day.

    The theme for the 2017 World Stroke Day is: “What is Your Reason for Preventing Strokes?”

    “World Stroke Day marks every Oct. 29 provides an annual opportunity for stroke stakeholders to coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns and build commitment to reducing the burden of stroke at global, regional and local level.

    “By creating a global platform from which we can speak out, World Stroke Day amplifies our individual voices and brings more people into the conversation about stroke prevention, treatment and support,’’ an Online publication-worldstrokecampaign said.

    Ogun said: “NSO today joined the global calls for urgent action to prevent stroke and respond to new data, which indicates stroke as being responsible for years of life lived with disability worldwide in 2016.

    “Stroke happens when the blood supply to parts of the brain is cut off, without the blood, brain cell can be damaged or die, affecting a person’s body, mobility, speech and how they think or feel.

    “There are estimated 17 million stroke cases worldwide each year and at least, 200, 000 of which occur in Nigeria.

    “In Nigeria today, stroke is the most medical emergency in all teaching hospitals, while other hospitals account for up to eight to 10 neurological hospital admission.”

    According to Ogun, the theme for 2017 focuses attention on creating awareness on the risk factors and preventive measures by all stroke stakeholders.

    “Stroke can affect anyone, can occur anywhere and at any time; it calls for urgent mass health education on strategies to prevent first and recurrent strokes.

    “We know that 90 per cent of strokes are associated with risk factors that we can all do something about.

    “They include the control of high blood pressure, doing moderate exercise, stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake and also maintaining healthy diet, amongst others.

    “Addressing the risk factors will not just have major impact on stroke prevention, but will also prevent deaths from other non-communicable diseases,” Ogun said.

    The president of the organisation said that giving urgent priority to prevention would yield obvious benefits in terms of reduced human, social and economic cost.

    Also, Prof. Mustapha Danesi, the Board of Trustee of the organisation, said it was important for the public to note that stroke was potentially preventable and treated when presented early.

    Danesi said: “The important thing is if a stroke case is presented within one hour of noticing, the better the chance of recovery.

    “We are here to draw the attention of the public to the devastating effect of stroke to the populace, as a public health, as well as a disease.

    “It is important because, we have to stop the myth and believe that once a person develops stroke, one will no longer be useful.”

    Vice-President of NSO Prof. Njideka Okubadejo, said that the key steps to prevent stroke include checking the blood pressure and blood sugar to know personal risk factors.

    “Eating a healthy balanced diet, avoid excessive salt intake, engage in moderate exercise five times a week and learn to recognise warning signs of stroke.

    “Also, a diet that is high in fruits, nuts, vegetables, fibre, but low in red meat, is desirable for the prevention of stroke.

    “A low salt diet will prevent stroke, either the first occurrence or recurrence of a repeat stroke in someone who has survived a stroke,” Okubadejo said.

  • Bello’s wife urges Buhari to sign disability bill

    Bello’s wife urges Buhari to sign disability bill

    Wife of Kogi state governor, Barrister Amina Oyiza Bello has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Person’s with Disability special protection bill into law as doing so will go a long way to addressing the numerous problems and challenges facing persons with disability in the country.

    Speaking a news conference to mark the World Cerebral Palsy Day scheduled for Friday, October 6, Barrister Bello also appealed to the government and school owners to make school environment-friendly for persons with disability while, putting in place measure to end stigma against such persons.

    The Wife of the Kogi governor who is the founder of Hayat Foundation, an Organisation dedicated to promoting the cause of children with cerebral palsy in the country said government must muster the political will to address the plight of Nigerians living with disability, adding that signing the disability bill into law will accord the necessary dignity and respect they deserve.

    She appealed to Nigerians to stop the stigma against persons living with disability, describing the International day in cerebral palsy as “a unique day in our lives, a day that people with special needs are celebrated, encouraged and assured that they are not alone in their struggle for a decent and lovely livelihood. It is a day that we remind them that despite the challenges they are facing, they can still achieve their dreams.

    “It is a day that further engages and strengthens our conviction as a foundation in supporting children with special needs with the necessary skills and education. Through early intervention  to thrive in the society.”

    She listed the six focal areas for the world cerebral palsy day celebration. To in Luke civil riot, public awareness, medical and therapeutic, quality of life, education and contribution, adding that these focal areas can easily make a big differ de in the life’s of the people living with special needs

    According to her, “Nigeria and indeed African children living with special needs are sentenced to a life of obscurity and are at a disadvantage right from birth. Most families treat them as outcasts due to perceived societal stigmatization and worse of all, they end up in confinement thereby damaging their self-esteem, their ability to acquire relevant social skills and confidence.

    “At Hayab Foundation, we are committed more than ever before in making lives easier, interesting and meaningful for children with special needs. We believe that catching them young will avail us the opportunity to groom them to live and enjoy their lives like any other normal child and prepare them for a future that seeks to be promising and bright.”

    According to her, the foundation was born as a result of “my personal experience with cerebral palsy, while taking care of my own son, Hayatullah Onoruoyiza Bello who lives with cerebral palsy and in whose honour the foundation was named” adding that the foundation. Is a special intervention outfit to reach the less privileged ones in the society.

    She disclosed that the foundation will soon hold a fundraising dinner to draw the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the plight of these children with special need, in an effort to set up a pan African Institute for children with special needs.

    “In the area of education, we also want to appeal to school owners to become more friendly t children with special needs and to make their school environment more wheelchair accessible. Our churches, mosques and religious institutions are doing a great job already, but we all need them to do more. Going forward, we are using this special Cassio. To enjoin them to set aside special days to recognize and show affection to people with special needs”, she said.

  • FCTA opens up to persons with disability

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) is working to introduce regulations that would ensure that every public building plan provide for people with disability before their approval.

    FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello made this disclosure when he received a delegation from the Kpakpando Foundation that paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Garki 1 District Abuja.

    The Minister revealed that the FCT Administration also intends to seek ways to amend existing building structures to make them navigable by the physically challenged and other vulnerable citizens, pointing out that a modification of the building housing the Minister’s office was carried out last year to provide for a ramp and conference room on the ground floor for meetings with the persons with disability.

    Bello also revealed that plans are ongoing to create informal markets in the Federal Capital city where persons with disability, less privileged people and other interested residents could own stalls, while expressing his determination to provide economic opportunities for the vulnerable members of the FCT society.

    He said, “I can easily identify with the plight of the physically challenged, having had a sister that was afflicted with polio and am conversant with their difficulties.

    “As Nigerians, we feel very proud that your foundation has been recognised and invited the FCTA to be part of the celebration of the United Nations 10th Anniversary on Persons with Disability and we appreciate your agreeing to take somebody from among our physically challenged brothers and sisters here; I assure you that the person’s trip will be funded by the FCT Administration.”

    Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Kpakpando Foundation, Senator Osita Izunaso, said that the leadership of the foundation was in the FCTA to explore areas of collaboration towards the establishment of a database for persons with disability in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as ensure that all public buildings provide access for the physically challenged.

    The APC chieftain disclosed that part of their plan is also to partner with the Administration in the area of setting up schools for persons with disability in the Federal Capital Territory.

    He said: “We are here today to also inform you that we want to establish a very strong presence in the Federal Capital Territory and we have also been invited by the United Nations to attend the 10th year United Nations Convention on Persons with disability holding in June.

    In his presentation at the occasion, a visually impaired member of the entourage, Mr. Danjuma Attah, who became blind at the age of 13, commended the FCT Minister for his concern for the vulnerable, disclosing how the Minister changed his fortunes by signing his license as a tour operator for the Umrah and Hajj, at the time he (the Minister) served as the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    Mr. Attah sought for the support of the FCT Administration through the provision of a plot of land for the construction of a special centre for the blind. The centre, Mr. Attah revealed, would be equipped with fitness and medical facilities suitable for the blind and the visually impaired.

  • KELECHI UHEGWU: One woman’s inspiring tale of living above disability

    KELECHI UHEGWU: One woman’s inspiring tale of living above disability

    Kelechi Uhegwu is a multi-talented lady who decided to conquer her world in spite of her disability. In this encounter with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about obtaining a degree in Zoology, her challenges, conquests, passion and mingling with some Nigerian celebrities who admire her guts.

    When Kelechi Uhegwu’s parents gave birth to her about 33 years ago, they had big dreams for their beautiful daughter. Unfortunately, those dreams were punctured at infancy, as the eldest of their three children became paralysed. The deadly polio virus ate into her system and confined her to the wheelchair and crutches. But this has not deterred her from pursuing her dreams and passion.

    Putting up with a disability can be really difficult to handle, especially in a third world environment such as ours, but Kelechi has trudged on like a Trojan horse. Her disability became one of the richest classrooms for her, and instead of seeing a gloomy face, what you see is a pretty and ever-smiling face.

    Now, you want to know how it all happened and sadly she takes you down memory lane, talking about her memories of early life. “My memories are loads but I remember writing down somewhere someone’s quote in paraphrase: ‘I am not one to boast as I am really a humble and modest person, but the name Kelechi Ruth Uhegwu would be popular and all the world would want to read about me.’ I wasn’t sure then of what I wanted exactly but I wanted people to read and hear about me and leap for joy.”

    “I had poliomyelitis when I was a toddler.” Kelechi continued her story. “My parents had travelled to Lagos, leaving me with my grandma in Agbor, Delta State. I fell ill and my grandma took me to the hospital where I was misdiagnosed and I was treated for malaria with several injections. My lower limbs got paralysed. I had paralytic scoliosis, which worsened to a curve of 58.8 degrees that required urgent surgery.”

    It was tough but her determination to succeed took the Amazon through the different phases of life, never giving up. Looking back, Kelechi’s recollections depict a journey that was torturous and rough but she bulldozed her way through. This included going to and from school while other kids stared at her continuously, imitating her body movement, thinking it was fun while she was sweating it out. But that and the many odds that came her way did not deter her at all. Instead, her mind was fixed on the laurels and plaques that awaited her in future.

    “My childhood was an eclectic mix of the bitter and the sweet. I was always in the hospital for treatment; physiotherapy and all that. It was a very painful experience. Of course, there were other times that I went to school, church and returned home like other children. I was not allowed to play all the time because my parents thought I was fragile.”

    Any parent in their shoes would have done the same. Reason: “I had a minimum of two visits a week to the hospital and each visit was hell. I mean ‘physiotherapy’.  I had my treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. The experience wasn’t an interesting one, trust me.”

    Surviving the odds was easy because she had parents who loved and cared for her. “My highest moment in my growing up years was when I could ask for ‘anything’ from my parents and they didn’t say ‘No’. Everything in the world seemed to be at my beck and call.”

    Unfortunately, that source of joy was halved when she lost her father and things fell apart in the family. “My lowest moment was on the 8th of March, 2000, when my dad passed on due to renal failure. It was the final year of my secondary school and that was when I understood the meaning of the word ‘responsibility’.

    This probably should have been the end of her dreams. But, again, Kelechi fastened her belt, determined to get educated against all odds. “I have a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Lagos in 2008.”

    Interestingly, her entry into the university was a miracle. Burning the midnight oil, she had battled with JAMB examinations for two years without luck. Then one year, she struggled and bought a diploma form of the University of Lagos. She passed the entrance examination but there was a snag. Poor Kelechi did not have the money to pay the school fees. But that was not the only hurdle. Kelechi had to contend with the tough task of shuttling to and from school – from Satellite town to Akoka. UNILAG diploma students weren’t given accommodation on campus.

    “I took the risk of waking up every morning without a dime and getting rides from strangers to half my journey or directly to school.”

    Then one day Kelechi met the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) and told him about her challenges. “He was pleased with my zeal to be educated despite my physical and financial challenges and gave me an approval to write the (entrance) examination. I eventually wrote the exam and came out with good grades with which I gained admission by direct entry to study for a degree in Zoology. My debt in the diploma course was also erased. To tell the truth, how I made it through diploma was amazingly miraculous.”

    Just before graduation, a life-changing experience came her way. One of her friends, Jane Ogbe, wrote a story about Kelechi and she was nominated for the ‘Survival Against All Odds Awards,’ by the Aart of Life Foundation in 2006. “My story was featured on-air; people voted for me and it was a really exhilarating feeling. I emerged 1st runner-up eventually. It also helped me become a stronger person because people kept stopping me to say they watched the programme and they were inspired by my story. I felt good that I was an inspiration to someone.”

    Somehow, you wonder how she manages to pull herself through life in spite of the odds and her reply was instructive: “Life itself is my greatest inspiration. Each moment I live is a great opportunity despite my health challenges. My experience generally is my own Inspiration.”

    A lab scientist, make-up artist, writer, poet and much more, Kelechi certainly has her hands in many pies. How does she get the energy to do all these things? She enthuses: “I love to multi-task. It is innate; maybe because I am a woman. The energy comes from the fact that things have to be done. If I don’t do them, nobody would do them for me. Therein lies my driving force.”

    Of all the things that she does, which is her greatest passion or which does she considers her best? You ask. Her words: “All what I do have a way of relating with life, people, well-being, etc. I would not consider any one as my best because they are all intertwined. I have different moods and circumstances that would make me pick one over the other at a given time.”

    To survive, Kelechi walked on leg braces and crutches for years and later opted for the wheelchair when it became inconvenient.  “I am first a human and I go through the regular rigours of being that. Secondly, I am physically challenged and have to go through the stress of coping in Nigeria, where accessibility is almost impossible for a wheelchair user. Thirdly, I am experiencing a worsening case of severe scoliosis as a result of the poliomyelitis I suffered as a toddler. But our health system here in Nigeria cannot take care of that, including the expenses of going for my spinal surgeries in Nottingham, England, where I have been referred. So, I have only one choice – to keep a positive attitude in all till I am able to find help eventually.”

    What exactly will be done to bring the desired change for Kelechi in England?  “The corrective surgery is an anterior surgical release and posterior stabilisation with rods and screw, as well as fusion of the spine with a 2-stage procedure, to have an opportunity to walk unaided again. It costs way more than what I can afford as an individual, considering my present financial status,” she informs.

    Sound Sultan, Nikky Laoye, Janelia and a couple of wonderful celebrities got involved in helping to raise funds for the surgery. A fund raising concert was held. “It was successful because all the invited celebrities came and we had fun but the aim wasn’t exactly achieved, as not many people attended. We made back about the money that was put in. I got a bit of fame, which made it a lot easier to reach some other people. We’ve been able to raise some money from the public so far but we still have some way to go. Promises have been made and I’m hoping for the best and I pray that this phase gets over soon.”

    Life for this queen of the wheelchair is a walk, and she would rather keep walking, than lose hope. Some of her achievements in life therefore inspire and motivate her to keep pushing on, as well as inspiring others along the line.

    “I am a lab scientist and I graduated from the University of Lagos, Akoka. I once worked at the Nigerian Naval Reference Hospital in Navy Town, Ojo, and later at NAFDAC in Yaba.”

    Kelechi’s inspiration knows no boundaries. From the scientific world, she swings over to the arts and she is as prolific anywhere and everywhere. A Jack or ‘Jackyln’ of all, and master of all.  “I am a poet and also a makeup artist. I graduated from the House of Tara make up school. I am also a public speaker and for this, I graduated from the Nigerian Broadcast Academy in Ikeja.”

    Having proved her mettle, Kelechi has garnered a number of awards and recognitions. “I have been awarded several awards from Rotary Club, The Aart of Life Foundation and many more. I may not remember all my achievements in details but one thing is sure, I bring joy and smiles to the faces of people that have met me.”

    Sharing in happy moments, meeting people and touching lives are some of the things that keep her going, as well as bring new opportunities her way. “I have many memorable moments but I would give credit to my humble beginnings when I was given the Against All Odds Awards in 2006; as the 1st runner-up by the Aart of Life Foundation. A documentary was done on me; people watched and cast their votes for me. The most exciting part of it was that people kept stopping to talk to me about seeing me on television and how much they were inspired by my story. It did mean a lot to me and it encouraged me to be a better person and is one of the reasons I am who I am today.”

    Kelechi adds: “The Rotary Club of District 9140 awarded me the ‘Outstanding Award’ for my resilience as a polio survivor in 2016. The Enugu State University (ESUT) honoured me with an Award of Excellence in 2015. The Aart of Life Foundation gave me the ‘Survival Against all Odds Awards in 2006. And I was Miss Social in the Miss Wheelchair Nigeria 2010.”

    Now you want to know if she would like to be a talk show host and she replies: “I haven’t anchored a particular show as a presenter on television or radio but I have been a guest on a lot of shows like ‘Moments with Mo’, ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’, etc. My message is the same: having a positive attitude towards life no matter the circumstances. It is very important to upgrade yourself each moment as much as you can and just breathe.”

    Scroll down memory lane and she tells you about the people who have inspired, challenged and helped her get to where she is today. “I admire and respect a lot of people from various walks of life. I Love my late dad, Mr. Onyebuchi Uhegwu, for imbibing in me the character I have in all ramifications. I adore my mum for teaching me hygiene, which was very beneficial to me as a lab scientist. I respect Nelson Mandela for the kind of heart he had towards ‘forgiveness’ after the opportunity he had to pay back his oppressors. I hope to have that kind of heart.”

    Still counting her many blessings, Kelechi adds: “I also supported the 2face #VoteNotFight Initiative for a peaceful election. I go out a lot. I love to have fun. During my alone moments, I read books, write poems, listen to music.”

    Relationship?  That is a no-go area, as she replies. “My relationship is the same as any regular girl. But I’d rather keep it private for now.”

    Interestingly, there are so many other exciting parts that make up this wonderful personality. The beautiful lady who has been empowered through skills in make-up artistry unveils this aspect of her life, telling you about her admiration for one of the best hands in the industry. “I regard Tara Durotoye, who came up with a new concept of entrepreneurship in the makeup business, which I had the opportunity to benefit from and hope to carve such niche for myself in.”

    As a make-up artiste, Kelechi’s passion for creativity is let loose and her clients are happy each time she gives them a facelift. Apart from the make-up sector, she strongly believes that Nigeria’s designers are doing a great job and deserve to be encouraged.  “As for me, my style is simple, beautiful and classy. Nigerian designers are doing a great job, I must say.”

    For Kelechi, being disabled is not just about receiving from others; you should be able to touch lives and give back to the society in your own way. “I respect my small friend Oluchi Anekwe, a fire accident survivor, who is making life happen in her own way. She does say I mentor her but she is an amazingly strong person, from whom I draw strength. The world is waiting for her.”

    Is there something that she considers as the greatest influence in her life? “My experiences are my greatest influencers, they carve out how I reason at different times,” she answers.

    If Kelechi had to advise young people, what would she tell them? “I would say keep dreaming. Don’t be afraid if your dreams are so big and overwhelming, they would eventually come to pass without you realising it, fortunately.” Unfortunately, a lot of young people in the society today have stopped dreaming because the circumstances around them don’t seem right.