From Optics to ownership. Rethinking Disability Inclusion in Nigeria

Disability inclusion in Nigeria is often reduced to optics — policies that look good, campaigns that sound progressive, and token representation that changes very little. But what happens when persons with disabilities move from being seen to truly being heard, valued, and empowered?

In this powerful episode titled “From Optics to Ownership: Rethinking Disability Inclusion in Nigeria”, disability advocate Susan Kelechi joins the conversation to challenge dominant narratives around disability, inclusion, and participation in Nigeria.

Drawing from lived experience and years of advocacy, Susan unpacks:

-Why disability inclusion in Nigeria still feels performative

-The gap between the Disability Act and everyday reality

-How stigma, infrastructure, policy failure, and social attitudes reinforce exclusion

-What real ownership looks like — in governance, education, employment, media, and development practice

-How Nigeria can move from charity and tokenism to rights, agency, and shared responsibility

This episode goes beyond sympathy and visibility to ask hard but necessary questions:
Who designs inclusion? Who benefits? And who holds power?

  What You’ll Gain – A deeper understanding of disability beyond stereotypes  why inclusion isn’t charity or pity, but justice and human rights. -Clarity on the gap between policy and practice  Nigeria has laws (like the Disability Act), but implementation lags, and lived experience tells a different story. -Insight into structural barriers from inaccessible infrastructure and public services to social attitudes and exclusion from decision-making. – Inspiration from lived resilience Susan’s personal journey shows how agency and advocacy can shift narratives and unlock ownership. – Actionable takeaways for advocacy, policy makers, educators, and ordinary citizens on how to embed inclusion into everyday systems.   Who Should Listen -Disability advocates and organisations -Journalists and media practitioners covering social justice and inclusion -Policy makers, development experts, and public servants -Educators, HR leaders, and inclusion practitioners -Students, researchers, and anyone passionate about human rights and equity Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help amplify inclusive narratives that matter.