As Kogi State joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2024 Spinal Cord Injury, SCI Day, some survivors have stressed the need to end violence across the country.
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They also called for improved engagement with stakeholders to ensure accessibility across health and educational facilities as well as an end to discrimination.
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Speaking with Prime FM Correspondent in Lokoja, Kogi State Secretary, S.C.I. Association of Nigeria, Salawu Sefinat Ohunene attributed several SCIs to domestic abuse, violence and road accidents.
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Sefinat implored government and corporate organizations to provide physical therapy equipments and build a rehabilitation centre to reshape the life of SCI survivors.
She also appealed for empowerment for persons with SCI to relieve the burden and make life easy.
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Sefinat however decried the high prevalence of discrimination against survivors at every facet of endeavour which had caused untold hardship and embarrassment to people with SCI.
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On her part, Financial Secretary of the Chapter, Abigail Simon called on good spirited individuals to support SCI survivors who were constantly being isolated as a result of their conditions.
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Abigail emphasized that many survivors have prerequisite knowledge and skills to contribute to the progress of country.
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Celebrated September 5 every year, Spinal Cord Injury, S.C.I. Day is a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living with spinal cord injuries and an opportunity to emphasize public commitment towards SCI prevention.
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This year’s theme, “End Violence, Protect Spinal Cord raises concern about cases of spinal cord injuries resulting from violence which remain a major concern globally.