UK diasporans hold first-ever disability day in London in bid to combat stigma and bias

NIGERIANS in the UK have organised the first ever diaspora disability day during which they called on the federal government to step up action regarding caring for the needs of people living with disability.

 

In a lively event which took place at the Enfield Civic Centre yesterday, hundreds of Nigerians gathered to celebrate the disabled and suggest ways of improving their lot within society. Acting high commissioner Ambassador Olakunle Bamgbose, said that Nigeria needs to learn a lot from the UK with regards to the way the disabled are treated.

 

Ambassador Bamgbose said: "We have a lot to do to catch up with the rest of the world with regards to our attitude towards disability. In Nigeria, we are still of the opinion that anyone who is disabled is incapable of living a fulfilling life and must be consigned to begging for a living.

 

"However, we know that in the UK and other European countries, people with disabilities are gainfully employed and economically vibrant. Many of us who are able bodied fail to realise that just one accident could turn you into a disabled person, so it should not consign you to a life of begging and poverty."

 

Among the dignitaries who turned up were veteran Nigerian Television Authority broadcaster Julie Coker, current mayor of Hackney Sade Etti and former mayors Kate Anolue, Susan Fajana-Thomas and Anna Mbachu of Enfield, Hackney and Waltham Forest respectively. High commission ministers Taju Adeniyi and Mohammed Hassan were also in attendance at the event organised by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk).

 

Music was provided by visually impaired DJ Jide Busari and the disabled were encouraged to participate in activities on the day. Visually impaired singer Victoria Oruwari delighted guests with her singing, while cultural ambassador Ayan De First also entertained everyone with a rich display.

 

Goody bags were given out to guests and there was also a raffle draw with the lucky winners taking home presents. Canuk chairman Babatunde Loye said that the success of the inaugural event, the disability day will now become an annual feature, in the hope that it will help change attitudes.

 

In his closing remarks, Mr Loye thanked everyone for coming and paid special tribute to the volunteers and organising committee members for putting the event together. Organising committee chairman Dr Ife Akintunde also praised Nigerians with disabilities who turned up to make the event a huge success.