Nigeria Must Embrace Real Inclusion Beyond Kindness, Says Advocate

In Nigeria, the conversation around disability inclusion needs a significant shift, moving from superficial acts of kindness to tangible, measurable actions. Eva Chukwunelo, a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion, argues that true inclusion requires a fundamental change in attitude and the creation of genuine opportunities.

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Being kind is instrumental in disability inclusion, but it should translate into tangible actions. As an average Nigerian, if you are an employer of labour, you can create slots for persons with disabilities to be a part of your organisation.

Chukwunelo, who lost a limb at age 17 due to osteomyelitis, shares her personal journey of overcoming stigma and embracing her identity. Her advice to others facing similar challenges is threefold: first, heal and accept one's reality; second, find a supportive community of individuals with shared experiences; and third, engage in service to others. She stresses the importance of self-acceptance, recounting how she transitioned from hiding her prosthetic limb to confidently showcasing it, allowing her to live authentically.

From a Nigerian perspective, the call for concrete action is particularly resonant. While kindness is appreciated, it does not address the systemic barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society. Chukwunelo challenges employers to actively create job slots for persons with disabilities, emphasizing that this is not just charity but a means to foster productivity and reduce dependency. She points to the positive reactions of children seeing a banker with a prosthetic leg as an example of how visible representation can be inspiring rather than alienating.

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So first step: heal. Second: find a community. Third: Serve.

The advocate believes the biggest misconception about disability in Nigeria is the tendency to view it as something separate from the mainstream. Chukwunelo asserts that disability should be an integral part of all major discussions, from technology and finance to leadership and education. The goal, she concludes, is not just to be kind but to build a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive together.

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Whatever space you’re in, sports, entrepreneurship, education, STEM, etc. There are people with disabilities who are willing to learn these skills to be productive or who already have the skills to work. Create spaces for these people.