Health
NGO seeks inclusivity, support for people with autism
The founder of the Sustainable Development for Africa Youth Initiative (SuDAYI), Victoria Jim, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is advocating for greater inclusivity and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Jim made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of SuDAYI, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in creating a more inclusive society for individuals with autism and their families.
According to Jim, every individual with autism deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and social services that cater to their specific needs.
“Growing up in Africa, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with autism and other disabilities.
“I saw how they were often marginalised, excluded, and denied access to basic rights and opportunities,” she said.
However, Jim also highlighted the potential, talent, and resilience of individuals with autism, noting that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, they could achieve greatness.
Jim stated that SuDAYI was committed to bridging the gap in autism services and support in Nigeria.
“In the next two years, the NGO plans to implement a comprehensive autism management intervention.
“This intervention will focus on providing inclusive education and support to families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
“Additionally, SuDAYI aims to establish partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to promote autism awareness and acceptance.”
Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, spoke about ongoing efforts to amend the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018.
He noted that the current law did not adequately address the needs of children and women with disabilities.
“We think those areas are specific areas that need to be addressed, including intellectual disabilities and developmental needs for children with cerebral palsy or neurodegenerative conditions,” Dawodu said.
He also emphasised that discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was punishable under the law.
Dr Opiti Chukwunekwu, Associate Director at Health System Consult Limited, discussed the prevalence of autism in Nigeria, which was estimated at 2.1 per cent.
He clarified that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was not a disease but a developmental disorder that occurred during a child’s development in the womb.
Chukwunekwu explained that autism was a spectrum, with different manifestations across its five elements.
He emphasised the importance of supporting individuals with autism to develop skills and reach their potential.
“Many prominent people have been shown to have traits of autism and still went on to achieve great things,” he said.
Chukwunekwu also stressed that while there was no cure for autism, effective management focused on empowering individuals with the disorder.
“This includes behavioral interventions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training, all aimed at improving outcomes for those living with autism.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SuDAYI’s objective is to empower children and youth with autism and other disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in and contribute to their communities.
(NAN)
Health
APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.
Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.
Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.
Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.
Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.
“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.
“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.
He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.
“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.
“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.
Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.
“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.
Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.
“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.
He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.
The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.
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