Stakeholders demand empowerment, inclusion for PWDs

The physiotherapy day of service has debuted in Kwara and six other states, seven years after it commenced in Nigeria.

The day is an annual event that aims to give back to the society and create awareness on the plight of People living With Disabilities (PWDs).

The event often harps on compassion, empowerment, and disability inclusion.

Speaking at the first-ever paralympic event organised by Neurorehab Institute/Stroke and Spine Rehabilitation Centre (SSRC) in collaboration with National Association of Physiotherapy Students, University of Ilorin chapter, Okenla Samuel, project lead and Alonge Ewaoluwa, co-project lead, said they believe in the importance of physiotherapy and its ability to improve the quality of lives of PWDs.

“By organising this event, our aim was to contribute, inspire ability and functionality amongst PWDs,” they said.

They added that they wanted to promote equal opportunities and empower PWDs to live “fulfilled lives, irrespective of their physical limitations”.

Rufai Ahmad spoke on the importance of physiotherapy to the wellbeing of PWDs.

He also reiterated the need for physiotherapy in primary health care centres at the grassroots where the service is most needed.

Ahmad said he is committed to promoting value-driven programmes that will help PWDs integrate into society, and called for PWD-centred intervention programmes, and a database of PWDs to aid policy making and planning.

Highlights included a medical outreach, musculoskeletal assessment and consultation led by Lawal Abdulwasiu, the chief intern at Physiotherapy Department, University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital.

Medals and certificates were also handed to PWDs.

Among those who attended the event were Bolakale Mogaji, executive chairman, Kwara state sports commission; and Bilikis Abdulkadir who supported the programme.