In a bold move to amplify the voices of youth with disabilities, Sightsavers has commissioned a stunning artwork in the heart of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
The vibrant mural, created by renowned artist Ella Onyebe, is part of a global campaign leading up to the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York.
Located at the Garki Area 1 roundabout, the artwork features a young woman in a wheelchair advocating for inclusivity, with colorful speech bubbles representing youth advocacy and social inclusion themes. This masterpiece aims to spark crucial conversations and inspire action toward a more inclusive society.
The unveiling of the mural coincides with Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign, which demands disability rights and inclusion. The campaign seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the fight to end global poverty.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, has a valuable contribution to make,” said Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director. “Disability inclusion is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving sustainable development goals.”
Ella Onyebe, the artist behind the mural, echoed this sentiment. “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. Inclusion is at the heart of a vibrant society.”
The Abuja mural is one of four commissioned by Sightsavers around the world. Similar murals have been unveiled in New York, Homa Bay (Kenya), and Dakar (Senegal), each conveying unique messages on disability inclusion.
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.
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.
These innovative artworks aim to highlight the interconnected challenges faced by marginalized communities worldwide, while calling for a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
According to the United Nations, persons with disabilities, especially youth, are among the most marginalized and poorest of the world’s population. They face daily discrimination and exclusion from education, employment, and social services.
Youth with disabilities are twice as likely as youth without disabilities to be neither in employment, education, nor training. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies and programs.
Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign advocates for concrete actions to advance disability rights and prioritize inclusion. By promoting disability rights and social inclusion, Sightsavers aims to create a more equal world.
“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,” Dr. Shu’aibu noted.
Ella Onyebe added, “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.”
The artwork has sparked conversations and reactions from Abuja residents. “This mural is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion,” said Hannah Ibrahim, a local resident.
As the United Nations Summit of the Future approaches, Sightsavers’ campaign gains momentum. The organization urges world leaders to prioritize disability inclusion and ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.
By amplifying the voices of youth with disabilities, Sightsavers hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The Abuja mural stands as a testament to this vision.
In Nigeria, the National Disability Rights Commission estimates that over 30 million people live with disabilities. Despite this significant number, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to education, employment, and healthcare.
Sightsavers’ campaign seeks to address these challenges head-on. By promoting disability rights and social inclusion, the organization aims to create a more equal world.
The Abuja mural is a powerful symbol of this vision. As Ella Onyebe’s artwork inspires conversations and sparks action, Sightsavers remains committed to amplifying the voices of youth with disabilities.
“We will continue to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities,” Dr. Shu’aibu assured. “Inclusion is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving sustainable development goals.”
As the world moves forward, it is essential that persons with disabilities are not left behind. Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign demands disability rights and inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has a valuable contribution to make.
The Abuja mural stands as a testament to this vision, amplifying the voices of youth with disabilities and demanding change.
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