Lagos, December 17, 2025 – Mrs. Joko Omotola, National President of the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria (AIDDN), has called on Nigerians to end discrimination against persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), stressing that disability is neither a disease nor contagious.
Mrs. Omotola made the call in Lagos while briefing journalists on the end-of-year activities of AIDDN and the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
She disclosed that the association is set to roll out an awareness campaign themed “Together for Awareness of IDD, Together for Change on Inclusion.”
According to her, misconceptions about disability continue to fuel stigma and discrimination against persons with IDD.
“Disability is not contagious. It is not a disease that if I have it, you too can contract it,” she said.
She urged members of the public to desist from using abusive or demeaning language when referring to persons with IDD, noting that they are human beings deserving of dignity and respect.
“When people see our children, they should not use abusive words. They are human beings like everyone else. Among them are lawyers with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” she said.
Mrs. Omotola explained that while some persons with developmental disabilities can pursue formal education, others require vocational training to live productive and independent lives.
“Some of them can pursue their lives academically, but there are others who need vocational studies,” she said.
She appealed to the government and private organisations to support the establishment of vocational centres across the country, noting that many youths with IDD between the ages of 18 and 40 are currently at home without academic or vocational engagement.
“We have many youths at home who are not inclined toward academic learning. With access to vocational centres, they can acquire skills, improve their lives, and become productive members of society,” she added.
Mrs. Omotola further urged the public to show understanding and provide support to persons with IDD, particularly those with autism, whose condition may not be immediately noticeable.
She clarified that autism often becomes evident through behavioural patterns and should be met with assistance rather than stigma.
Reiterating that disability is not a disease, she debunked the belief that pregnant women can contract disability from interacting with persons with IDD.
She explained that intellectual and developmental disabilities often occur during cell formation in pregnancy, complications during childbirth, or as a result of early childhood injuries.
“Sometimes, due to parental negligence, a baby may fall from the bed. The child cannot complain at that stage, but the impact may manifest later in life,” she explained.
Mrs. Omotola called on the government, private sector, and development partners to respect the rights of persons with IDD and ensure their inclusion in all spheres of life.
“They are entitled to their rights, welfare, and inclusion. We are appealing to the government to provide necessary accommodations that will help unlock their full potential so they can live sustainable lives,” she said.
She also appealed to the media to amplify the voices of persons with IDD and raise awareness about their challenges.
“They are among the most invisible groups within the disability community. The media should help tell their stories,” she added.
Speaking further, Mrs. Omotola urged philanthropists and private organisations to prioritise long-term support such as therapy services rather than only providing food and relief items.
“Our priority is access to therapy. Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities need speech therapy, mobility therapy, and other forms of support,” she said.
She noted that assessments have shown that many individuals require minimal intervention to significantly improve their mobility and independence.
“Parents will not always be around. When parents pass on, many of these children are left to suffer. We need sustainable solutions,” she added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Aboloriwa, called for greater understanding of the medical and developmental needs of persons with IDD.
According to him, persons with IDD require various forms of therapy, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, depending on their condition.
“Some are educable, some are trainable. The fact that they cannot attend conventional schools does not mean they cannot be trained in vocational skills,” he said.
He stressed the need for specialised centres, trained professionals, and adequate funding to provide these services.
“You need facilities, experts, and financial support to make these services accessible. Many also require regular medication and continuous therapy, even after surgery,” he added.
Source: TheMost News Report