By Palma Ileye
A mural with a message has been unveiled in Abuja as part of a global campaign to advocate for the inclusion of young persons with disabilities.
The colourful artwork, created by veteran Abuja-based artist, Ella Onyebe, was one of four commissioned around the world by the international development organisation Sightsavers, ahead of the United Nations, UN, Summit of the Future in New York, where world leaders will gather to reinvigorate global action on the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
The organisation’s Equal World campaign is calling for the voices of youth with disabilities to be included and heard at the UN Summit and the processes that will decide their future.
The mural which is on the busy Garki Area 1 roundabout in the heart of the business district of Nigeria’s capital, shows a young woman in a wheelchair using her voice to advocate, represented by the colourful speech bubbles that emanate from her, each depicting visual representations of youth advocacy and social inclusion themes.
The artwork aims to spark conversations and promote action towards a more inclusive society.
Similar murals have been unveiled in New York, USA; Homa Bay, Kenya; and Dakar, Senegal, each carrying a similar message: persons with disabilities must not be left behind in the fight to end global poverty.
Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Joy Shu’aibu said that, “The future belongs to young people, unfortunately, we see that they are often overlooked in the very discussions about plans and policies that directly affect that future. This mural is more than just art; it is a call to action. It reminds us that disability inclusion is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving the sustainable development goals. We must ensure that persons with disabilities are active participants in shaping the policies that affect their lives.”
Also, Ella Onyebe said, “As an artist with a disability, this project is close to my heart for its message and the influence it could have on public perception of disability rights. I believe inclusion is at the heart of a vibrant society, and I hope this mural serves as a visual reminder that everyone, regardless of ability, has a valuable contribution to make and must be given the chance to do so.”
According to the UN, persons with disabilities, especially youth, were among the most marginalised and poorest of the world’s population, facing daily discrimination and exclusion from education, employment, and social services.
A press release issued by Sightsavers Communication Associate, Joy Tarbo disclosed, “For instance, youth with disabilities are twice as likely as youth without disabilities to be neither in employment, education or training.Each mural conveys a unique message related to disability inclusion and has a dedicated space for the viewer to interact with and place themselves into the mural.
“The New York mural, strategically placed near the entrance to the UN building, features a chain of young people with and without disabilities, some holding hands and signs that contain messages of inclusion, equality and empowerment. It contains a clear visual message too: “Youth lead the way to a better future.”
“On the wall of a primary school in Homa Bay, Kenya a young female student sits with an open book, alongside evocative depictions of other children and young people with disabilities learning and participating in sports.
“A wall in Central Dakar, Senegal features a young girl with vision impairments and four other visual depictions on social inclusion themes.”
This innovative approach to disability inclusion advocacy aims to highlight the interconnected challenges faced by marginalised communities worldwide, while calling for a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
