Talking Inclusion with Laraba

22/09/2025

https://www.inclusivetimesng.com/2025/09/750-women-rally-in-abuja-over-reserved.html

No fewer than 750 women from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to converge in Abuja on Monday, September 22, 20...

19/09/2025

https://www.inclusivetimesng.com/2025/09/young-africa-innovates-kicks-off.html

Jessica Peters The Young Africa Innovates Mentorship Programme has successfully completed its first month, marking a major step in groomi...

19/09/2025

https://www.inclusivetimesng.com/2025/09/airline-in-trouble-as-passenger-in.html

A wheelchair user has lodged a formal petition with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), alleging that Max Air’s services a...

04/08/2025

Why Does Confidence in Disability Offend People So Deeply?

Nkubi is a proud little person, a media personality, and now a father to a beautiful daughter who also shares his condition which is a genetically inherited condition. And yet, instead of joy or respect, what he gets from many online is mockery. Trolling. Ridicule. Hate.

Let that sink in,he’s being dragged for simply showing up. His wife is also insulted for getting married to him.
Not for harming anyone. Not for spreading hate. But for existing proudly, being visible, and daring to love himself and his child out loud.

I genuinely ask, should we not fall in love because of our disability??

As a person with a disability, this hits differently. I know what it means to be judged not by what you say or do, but by how you look. I know the silent battles many of us fight when the world refuses to see our humanity beyond our disabilities.

You scroll past the hate and pretend it doesn't hurt, but when the lights go off and you're left with your thoughts, it hurts deeply. No amount of online confidence can erase the weight that ableism places on our minds and hearts.

This is why many people with disabilities struggle with mental health.
This is why some withdraw.
This is why some stop dreaming.
This is why some, sadly, don't make it.

It’s not the disability that kills, it’s the cruelty of a world that constantly tells us we don’t belong.

To those mocking Nkubi: you may think it's just “bants” or “cruise,” but what you’re doing is slowly killing someone’s spirit. You’re reinforcing the lie that people like us don’t deserve joy, family, or pride.

And to those of us with disabilities: I see you. I feel you. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. You are not a mistake. You are not too much. You are not less. You are worthy of every ounce of love, respect, and peace.

Nkubi, thank you for showing up. Your presence is a rebellion and a reminder that we will not hide to make others feel comfortable.

02/07/2025

Disability Pride Month: A Call for Action and Inclusion in Nigeria

Every July, people across the world mark Disability Pride Month. It’s a time set aside to celebrate the identity, strength, and contributions of persons with disabilities. The idea started in the United States after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a major law that protects the rights of people with disabilities and fights against discrimination.

But Disability Pride Month has grown beyond America. It’s now a global reminder that disability is not something to hide or be ashamed of. It’s part of human diversity. The month encourages people with disabilities to own their identity with pride and call for a society where everyone is treated with dignity.

In Nigeria, the month is not officially recognized yet, but that hasn’t stopped disability advocates from using this period to speak up. Many are raising awareness about the challenges they face daily—lack of accessible buildings, poor healthcare services, limited job opportunities, and slow implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which was signed into law in 2019.

For many persons with disabilities in Nigeria, Disability Pride Month is more than a celebration. It’s a chance to remind government, organizations, and the general public that inclusion is not a privilege—it’s a right. The message is clear: Beyond awareness, there’s a need for real action.

03/12/2024

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024, we celebrate the leadership, resilience, and potential of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,”emphasizes the crucial role of persons with disabilities in shaping a more inclusive society.

As a passionate advocate for disability rights in Nigeria, I am proud to join the global movement in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Disability is not inability.

Persons with disabilities have the same rights, aspirations, and contributions to make as anyone else.

However, many PWDs in Nigeria continue to face significant barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and social participation.

We must come together to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive society for all. This can be achieved through concerted efforts to:

Promote accessibility in public spaces, schools, and workplaces

Support inclusive education and economic empowerment programs

Advocate for policies and laws that protect the rights of PWDs

Ensure the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in all states

To the state governments yet to domesticate the Disability Act of 2018, I urge you to take this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to a better life for persons with disabilities. Domesticating the Act will not only uphold the rights and dignity of PWDs but also contribute to the socio-economic development of your states.

Let’s join hands to build a Nigeria where every person, regardless of ability, can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can make inclusion a reality.

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

30/09/2024

Honored to Be Named an Ambassador for SDGs and Ecosystem Preservation

I am deeply honored to have been decorated as an Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals and Ecosystem Preservation, under the Ambassadors for Sustainable Development Goals and Ecosystem Preservation Initiative.

A heartfelt thank you to my boss, Emmanuel Ogbeche, for your unwavering support. Your presence, even on such short notice, means the world to me. Janet Salihu, I can't express enough gratitude—your love, sacrifice, and willingness to show up despite needing rest truly humbles me. (This is a special thank you ooo—no fish again! 😊)

To everyone who sent their congratulations—family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and coursemates—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your own celebrations are just around the corner!

As I step into this new role, I am aware of the tremendous task ahead. Together, let’s take on the challenge of SDG 13: Climate Action, working to address climate change and build a sustainable future for all. Your continued support will be invaluable as we drive impactful change.

18/09/2024

Small Wins, Big Hope

Today felt like one of those days where progress comes in pieces, but every step counts. I finally interviewed a key stakeholder for my report. It was a critical piece of the puzzle, and things are starting to come together.

However, when I visited another office, I hit a bit of a wall. Almost everyone there was unaware that there was a transition of responsibility from the previous organization to a new one.

After navigating through some confusion, I met a kind lady who was also not aware but was willing to assist me. She took me to another office. 

Unfortunately, the person I need to speak with wasn’t in, and it’s unlikely to come in Tomorrow . So, I’ll have to wait and hope for a productive meeting by Friday.

Amid all of this, something unexpected happened. As I was led to the lady’s office, she noticed that I had a wardrobe  malfunction—something I hadn't even realized. Without hesitation, she went around the office looking for a safety pin to fix it for me, a small gesture that meant so much in that moment.

It’s been a good day overall, though I’m still eagerly awaiting Friday for that key interview.

17/09/2024

Tracking Down Leads in Community Story Writing

As you may recall, I mentioned here the first week of September that I’m working on a story about a vulnerable community. I haven’t stopped seeking stakeholders to balance the story. Last Friday, I visited several offices to get responses, but it was a dead end. So, I decided to continue today.

After  Eid-ul-Mawlid Monday, Today Tuesday I dialed the woman of interest in my story, and luckily, she was on her way to the city center. I quickly scheduled an appointment with her. When I got to the first venue, I was given the wrong directions. I trekked to the second location, where I was told she’d be, as she was in a short meeting. But then, I had to trek back to the right location again.

When I finally met her, she was rushing to another meeting. Still, I explained what was going on, and she gave me a response. Stay tuned you’ll find out what’s happening in this community within the FCT. It’s going to be interesting.

While I was talking to her, some other key people related to the story came up. I was directed to their office, so I went there. However, the woman I met at the office wasn’t helpful at first. She told me she left her phone at home and couldn’t get the contact number of the person I needed. I thought to myself, this person isn’t invisible, someone here must have their number.

Then a tall, handsome man walked in, greeting someone else who was waiting. I turned to the woman and asked if anyone in the office could help me get the number. She finally raised her head and told the man to give it to me.

11/09/2024

Team Nigeria athletes to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have returned home, bringing back a total of seven medals, including two gold, two ...

11/09/2024

A must read

National Coordinator of the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative, AWWDI, Bilikisu Yakubu, has hailed the reinstatement of Aisha...