The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, Kogi state Chapter has called for strengthening of measures that protect citizens with SCI as well as improve accessibility to public facilities.
The Association also called on Nigerians to always safeguard themselves against practices that endanger their lives.
Chairperson of the Association, Salawu Sefinat Ohunene made the call in an interview with Prime FM Correespondent in commemoration of the 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury, SCI day in Lokoja.
Speaking on this year’s theme: Fall Prevention; Spinal Cord Protection, Salawu emphasized that prevention was key and implored citizens to reduce the risk of SCI by obeying traffic rules, using pedestal bridges, avoiding reckless driving, wearing seatbelts, using a helmet and practicing safe lifting.
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She listed other preventive measures to include avoiding violence, avoiding slippery surfaces, using handrails while using stairs and maintaining a healthy lifestyle among others.
The SCI state Chairperson decried poor accessibility to public buildings and lack of awareness of SCI as persisting challenges and advocated policies by government that compell MDAs and private organizations to make their buildings accessible to SCI survivors.
She said despite intensified campaigns, many public facilities in Kogi state remain inaccessible to members and sought for more accessible healthcare, provision of rehabilitation services, and empowerment of persons with SCI to attain their full potentials.
Salawu expressed the believe that collective action can make significant impact in the lives of SCI individuals in Kogi state.
