By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Affiong Ene-Obong, a Nigerian lawyer, author and entrepreneur, has made a passionate appeal for the government and society to prioritise the welfare and inclusion of disabled persons in Nigeria. At the launch of her book, Miracle in Our Hearts, she shared her personal journey as a person living with a disability, highlighting the challenges she faced and the importance of empathy and support in fostering a more inclusive society.
Her book introduces a central character named Zikonanandoumina, a name derived from a phrase meaning “show the world that God is good.” Through this character, Ene-Obong narrates the struggles and triumphs of individuals with disabilities, urging the government, educational institutions, religious bodies, and the general public to adopt more inclusive policies and attitudes toward disabled persons.
The 63-page book, comprising ten chapters, contains a foreword, dedication, testimonies, and reflections from the author’s experiences. The narrative is centered around Zikora, a fictional representation of the author herself, who battles societal rejection and physical limitations to carve a place for herself in the world. Through Zikora’s story, Ene-Obong paints a vivid picture of the neglect disabled persons endure, from being excluded in schools and workplaces to facing societal stigma and discrimination.
Ene-Obong shared how her personal experiences shaped her desire to advocate for the rights and dignity of disabled persons. As a child, she recalled the mixed reactions she received when she first enrolled in school. While some teachers welcomed her with warmth and kindness, others, including classmates and strangers, displayed cruelty and insensitivity. Despite these challenges, she found solace and strength in her mother’s unwavering support.
The author recounted how her mother had to make significant sacrifices to ensure she received education. After realising that traditional schools were not adequately equipped to cater to her daughter’s needs, Ene-Obong’s mother resigned from her job to care for her full-time. She took it upon herself to teach her daughter basic educational skills, often seeking online training to improve her teaching techniques.
This personal story highlights a critical gap in Nigeria’s educational and social systems —the lack of provisions and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. According to Ene-Obong, society’s failure to recognise that disability was a medical condition, not a personal failing, and it “perpetuates harmful stereotypes and leaves disabled persons marginalised and neglected.
“The Nigerian society has failed to understand that inclusion must be prioritised,” Ene-Obong lamented during her speech, emphasising that “a fight for one is a fight for all.” She stressed that people with disabilities should first and foremost be regarded as human beings, deserving of respect, dignity, and equal rights.
She further explained that disability could take various forms, including physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments, which might limit an individual’s ability to perform certain activities, but did not make them less capable of contributing meaningfully to society. She urged Nigerians to see beyond the disability and recognise the potential in every person, disabled or not.
Ene-Obong called attention to the neglect of disabled persons by the government, emphasising that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of every citizen. The author stressed that, beyond legal provisions, there was a need for societal reorientation to foster empathy and inclusion. Institutions, including schools, churches, and workplaces, must be equipped to accommodate disabled persons, ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities and are not left behind.
Ene-Obong’s advocacy extends beyond policy changes to cultural and attitudinal shifts. She believes that empathy should begin at home and in communities, for families play a crucial role in nurturing and supporting disabled persons, helping them develop self-confidence and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
Ene-Obong called on the government to empower disabled persons by creating policies that promote their welfare and inclusion. She highlighted the importance of equipping schools with facilities for disabled students, implementing workplace accommodations, and ensuring that public spaces are accessible.
“Empowering disabled persons is not just a moral obligation; it is essential for the health, development, and productivity of families, communities, and the nation,” she said. “When we lift one person, we lift everyone.” Through Miracle in Our Hearts, Affiong Ene-Obong has made a powerful case for empathy, inclusion, and equal rights for disabled persons.