"A truly inclusive society does not view disability as incapacity, but as part of human diversity that deserves dignity, opportunity, and structural support." — Blessing Mary Ocheio
Nigeria is a nation brimming with talent, yet for many persons with disabilities, the greatest limitation is not their potential—it is a system that refuses to accommodate them. Instead of building structures that enable participation, society often labels, excludes, or sidelines those who do not fit a narrow definition of ability.
Blessing Mary Ocheio, a pharmacy graduate and disability rights advocate, shares a story that exposes this harsh reality.
"In pharmacy school, I was almost bullied out by some nefarious lecturers who genuinely believed a person with disability had no business aspiring to such a demanding profession. I was called ‘unfit,’ ‘a burden,’ and told I would slow others down," she recalls.
Rather than installing ramps, lifts, or providing academic accommodations, the institution treated her presence as the problem. “They didn’t ask how to modify the environment; they asked why I was even there,” Blessing adds. Her experience mirrors what countless Nigerians with disabilities face every day: a society that punishes ambition instead of enabling it.
“Talent Was Never the Issue. Access Was.”
Over the years, Blessing has met numerous young Nigerians discouraged from pursuing professions like medicine, law, or engineering—not because they lacked capacity, but because the system refused to create space for them.
"They didn’t fail because they lacked intelligence or passion. They were pushed out because the system refused to accommodate them," she says.
Contrast this with inclusion in other countries. Blessing highlights an NHS surgeon who sustained a spinal cord injury:
"Instead of discarding him, they redesigned the theatre and provided a standing wheelchair so he could continue saving lives. They removed barriers, not the person."
Similarly, she points to a medical student navigating hospital wards with specialized equipment, fully supported by his institution. “He is empowered, not pitied. Supported, not sidelined.”
Inclusion Is Not Charity — It Is Smart Governance
Blessing challenges the idea that inclusion is an act of kindness.
"Disability inclusion is not about charity; it is about equity, innovation, and respect for human potential," she emphasizes. “When you build ramps and adaptive systems, you are not doing us a favour — you are building a better society for everyone.”
Indeed, accessibility benefits more than persons with disabilities: it helps parents with strollers, the elderly, injured workers, and even travelers with luggage. Designing for the margins strengthens systems for all.
Nigeria Must Choose: Exclude Potential or Invest in It
Blessing leaves a sobering reflection:
"I often think about how many brilliant Nigerians we have lost — future doctors, pharmacists, engineers — not because they were incapable, but because the environment rejected them. Talent was never the problem. Access was."
Her message is urgent and clear: Nigeria cannot afford to keep sidelining brilliant minds.
"As a person with disability, your ability to flourish is tied to the kind of society you live in," she says. “One that believes in your capacity and builds around your potential—not one that questions your worth for daring to dream.”
Pull-Quotes for Emphasis
“Stop removing people, remove barriers.”
“Disability inclusion is not about charity; it is about equity, innovation, and respect for human potential.”
“Talent was never the issue. Access was.”
A Call to Action
Nigeria must start designing systems that enable, not exclude. When barriers are removed, talent thrives. When talent thrives, the nation benefits. As Blessing Mary Ocheio makes clear, inclusion is not a favour—it is smart governance and a moral imperative.