The Plateau State Chapter of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) has called for increased public awareness, early acceptance of spinal cord injuries and stronger government investment in rehabilitation services as it joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day.
The association made the call in a statement by its Chairperson, Juliet Philip, to mark this year’s observance themed, “From Awareness to Action: Ten Years Advancing SCI Prevention.” The theme highlights the need to move beyond raising awareness to implementing practical measures that prevent spinal cord injuries and improve the lives of survivors.
Philip described spinal cord injury as “a change of direction, not the end of the road,” stressing that survivors can continue to live meaningful and productive lives when they receive timely support, rehabilitation and acceptance.
Sharing her personal experience as a spinal cord injury survivor, she said one of the greatest challenges facing persons with SCI in Nigeria is widespread denial, which often delays access to appropriate medical care and rehabilitation.
According to her, many families spend years seeking miraculous cures instead of embracing early intervention and adaptive care, a situation she said worsens the physical, emotional and economic impact of the condition.
She emphasized that accepting a spinal cord injury is not a sign of giving up or losing faith but rather an act of courage that enables survivors to rebuild their lives.
“Acceptance is not a lack of faith. It is stronger faith. Whether I sit or stand, I will fulfil my destiny. The posture of your physical feet does not determine the fulfilment of your purpose,” she said.
Philip noted that over the past decade, SCI advocates have taken awareness campaigns to communities, schools, hospitals, media platforms and government institutions to educate Nigerians on preventable causes of spinal cord injuries, including road traffic crashes, dangerous falls and violence.
She added that the association has also supported survivors and advocated policies that promote disability inclusion and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
The SCIAN chairperson urged the Federal and State Governments to establish and equip more spinal cord injury rehabilitation centres, train rehabilitation specialists, enforce road safety regulations and fully implement disability policies across the country.
She also called on healthcare professionals to provide honest and compassionate guidance to newly injured patients and their families, saying early and accurate information is critical to successful rehabilitation.
Philip further appealed to community and religious leaders to encourage acceptance and inclusion of persons with spinal cord injuries, while urging the media to report disability issues accurately and with dignity in order to help shift public perception from awareness to meaningful action.
She equally advised Nigerians to adopt safer practices by wearing seat belts and helmets, observing traffic regulations and taking other preventive measures to reduce the incidence of spinal cord injuries.
Reaffirming the resilience of survivors, Philip said spinal cord injury should never define a person’s future.
“You cannot always choose what happens to your body, but you can choose where your heart stands. A standing heart will always find a way forward,” she said.
She called on all stakeholders to work together in building a Nigeria where every spinal cord injury survivor is supported, included and empowered to realise their full potential.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.