By Dadson A. Musa
Mobility Sierra Leone, with funding and support from Mobility Worldwide, on Saturday, 28th February, held a stakeholders and media engagement at the Pastoral Center in Bo to mark International Wheelchair Day.
The event was chaired by Lansana Nabieu, Deputy Head of Mobility Sierra Leone, who welcomed guests and underscored the significance of the occasion. He noted that the engagement coincided with the observance of International Wheelchair Day, celebrated annually on March 1.
“A wheelchair makes it possible for persons with disabilities to move around independently, access educational institutions, engage in business activities, and become self-reliant,” Nabieu said. He encouraged stakeholders and members of the media to speak openly about the challenges facing persons with disabilities and to make life-changing commitments toward improving their welfare in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Disability Inclusion, Abdul Sheriff, highlighted the transformative impact of wheelchairs. He said assistive devices have helped restore dignity and confidence to many persons living with disabilities, enabling them to actively participate in society.
Lamin Mansaray, Head of Mobility Sierra Leone, traced the origin of International Wheelchair Day to Steve Wilkinson, a man who lived with spina bifida and championed greater recognition for wheelchair users worldwide. He explained that the day has been commemorated annually since March 1, 2008.
“International Wheelchair Day, observed on March 1, 2026, is a powerful moment to celebrate wheelchair users, recognize the professionals who support access and independence, and shine a light on the global inequality in wheelchair access,” Mansaray stated.
He further explained the different types of disabilities and outlined the work his organization has undertaken to improve mobility and promote inclusion across Sierra Leone. These efforts include the provision of wheelchairs and other assistive devices, as well as advocacy for greater accessibility.
Delivering the keynote address, a representative from the Ministry of Social Welfare spoke on the theme, “Empowering Mobility and Access for All.” He emphasized that the day aims to raise awareness about the challenges experienced by wheelchair users, particularly in developing countries like Sierra Leone.
He noted that wheelchairs are not used solely by persons with permanent disabilities, but also by individuals with medical conditions that temporarily or permanently limit mobility. He called for increased government and community support to enhance accessibility and inclusion nationwide.
Several other speakers echoed the importance of the day, stressing the urgent need for stronger collaboration to support persons living with disabilities.
The event concluded with stakeholders pledging to raise awareness and mobilize resources to ensure that more wheelchairs and assistive devices are made available to those in need across Sierra Leone.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Jestina Alpha, Accountant at Mobility Sierra Leone, who expressed appreciation to all participants for their continued commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the country.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 4th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
