Stigma Surrounding Disabilities Fuels Discrimination, Depression, Low Self-Esteem

Ilorin, Kwara State– In today’s society, the stigma attached to persons with disabilities continues to perpetuate discrimination, exacerbate depression, and erode self-esteem, despite the foundational principle of universal inclusion set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Agbara Ipe-ninja, “The Power of My Disability,” is a 30-minute weekly program designed for people with disabilities on Gerin FM 95.5 every Saturday from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The program focuses on the obstacles encountered by people with disabilities and society’s perception of their physical appearance in relation to their intellectual abilities.

The program, anchored by Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and AbdulAzeez AbdulRazaq, discussed stigmatization and how society rates people with disabilities.

While speaking on the topic ‘Stigmatization,’ Mr. AbulAzeez said people living with disabilities are being segregated in society, making it difficult for many of them to be part of decision-making in society.

He stated that stigmatization poses a significant challenge for people with disabilities, causing extensive harm to their lives.

He urges parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities to ensure they are not separated from others and are provided with equal opportunities.

Mr. Omo-Adua Nurudeen, who lives with cerebral palsy, holds a master’s degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling from the University of Ilorin. He emphasizes that people with disabilities are at a heightened risk of experiencing limited inclusion within society.

He said that stigma acts as a barrier, dividing people with disabilities, as society overlooks their potential to positively impact the world.

According to him; ” people often use kind words to describe those who are not disabled, but neglect to use those same kind words when referring to people with disabilities.

“People with disabilities face discrimination and are often excluded from educational and training opportunities, job prospects, healthcare, and full societal participation, including decision-making.”

He said, prior to the rise of Christianity, there was a belief that people with disabilities were viewed as having offended God, leading to their disabilities being seen as divine punishment.

However, when Jesus arrived, he revealed that God had created people in His own image. He mentioned that among his disciples, there was a person named Little James who had cerebral palsy.

He said that while Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was engaged with some dignitaries from the tribe of Quraish, conveying the message of Islam, a poor blind man named Ibn Umm Maktoom interrupted him.

Unaware that the Prophet was busy with those people, the blind man repeatedly asked him to teach him some verses of the Qur’an. The Prophet frowned and turned his back when the blind man came to him.

Allah revealed a verse (Surah Abasa) stating that whenever Muhammad sees Abdullah in the future, he should simply say, “Welcome to the one about whom my Lord has rebuked me!”

Mr. Nurudeen expressed that within the traditional region, people with disabilities are revered as demi-gods, and their lineage of worship includes honoring and praising them.

He explained that no religion stereotypes people with disabilities. He, however, urges the public to recognize the potential of people with disabilities.