By Theresa Moses
Across the world, there is a significant population of people living with disabilities who face substantial barriers to accessing education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities. In Nigeria, challenges such as limited access to healthcare and prosthetic devices, as well as societal stigma, can still be barriers to the well-being of amputees.
The Nigeria Amputee Football Federation President, Mr Paul Maduakor, recently said in an exclusive interview with GATMASH News that promoting the wellbeing and inclusion of amputees in Nigerian society require a multi-dimensional approach involving various stakeholders, but efforts are being made to help amputees improve their quality of life and inclusiveness in Nigerian society.
“There are initiatives dedicated to helping amputees improve their quality of life, but challenges such as limited access to healthcare and prosthetic devices, as well as societal stigma, can still be barriers to their wellbeing. That’s what necessitated the Amputees Village.”
The concept of an “amputee village” typically refers to a community or settlement specifically designed to cater to the needs of amputees and individuals with disabilities. Such villages aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where residents can live independently with equal access to the necessary resources and services.
The proposed amputee village will form a close-knit community where they will share experiences, support each other, and work together to address common challenges. The village would be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all buildings, pathways, and transportation options are wheelchair-friendly and suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Some key features in the village would include skills and vocational training programmes that will serve as hubs for disability advocacy and awareness campaigns to educate the public about amputees, their needs, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance. There will be job placement services to empower amputees regardless of their abilities or disabilities, based on their innovative business ideas, potential for growth, and commitment to making a positive social impact with employment opportunities, economic independence, and inclusion in society.
“The Amputee Village will also provide access to quality healthcare, including timely surgeries, post-operative care, rehabilitation facilities and investment in research and innovation to develop better prosthetic technologies and techniques. Such will improve access to affordable and well-fitted prosthetic devices as they play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and independence; provide counselling and support services to help amputees cope with the emotional and psychological challenges they may face. And also promote adaptive sports and recreational activities to enhance physical fitness, social interaction, and overall wellbeing among amputees.
“It requires careful planning, funding, and support from government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and healthcare providers to be successful. They should also prioritise the autonomy and preferences of the residents, allowing them to shape the community’s culture and services according to their needs and desires,” he said.
The renowned sportswear merchant, Maduakor, called on all and sundry to support ‘Raise an Eagle’ outreach and the ‘Special Eagle Talent Show,’ an event to bring out other talents in amputees , such as singing, dancing, comedy, and acting to foster community support and acceptance.
He appealed for support from international organisations and charities that specialise in disability rehabilitation and inclusion.
He offered: “We want to provide amputees with access to training, digital resources, networks, and market linkages; these require funding. I want to use this opportunity to encourage media outlets to portray amputees in a positive and inclusive light to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance.
“Promoting the well-being and inclusion of amputees in Nigerian society requires a comprehensive effort involving civil society, healthcare providers, businesses, the government, and the broader community to ensure that amputees’ needs are addressed in national development plans and programmes. It’s essential to recognise the abilities and potential of amputees and create an environment where they can thrive and contribute to society.”
Mr Maduakor is also the Managing Director of Zenith Sports, a renowned dealer in sportswear, fitness equipment, skateboards, jerseys, customised sportswear, including shoes.
A subsidiary of Zenith Sports, Haggai, also boasts the first automated high-speed sportswear factory in Nigeria, a new dimension in indigenous sportswear manufacturing.
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