Engr. Chidi K.C. Izuwah
Passion for Including Children With Autism
Autism in Nigeria
He was committed to support autism in Nigeria.
The late Engr. Chidi K.C. Izuwah was the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). In that role he was helpful in linking infrastructure needs to a national need for public/private concessions.
But his role in advocating for children with autism spectrum disorder was even more important. He had a special relationship with autism. He used it to speak out for people with this disability.
In the early 2000’s he had a personal relationship with autism. With his wife, Dr (Mrs) Doris Izuwah, he founded Our Lady of Guadalupe Centre for Autism (OLG).
The generosity of Engr Chidi meant that a continuous supply of toys and books that improved play and fine motors skills were made available to the centre with his motto being “Never give up. There is ability in disability.”
Different but Not Less
He began the center in his own home. Since then it has expanded to provide multidisciplinary services to over 100 special-needs children. It also gives jobs to 50 youths.
Help for the Center
The center has been strengthened by “organizing and sponsoring trainings that focused on education and community advocacy.” He was so encouraging to this kind of outreach.
He also concluded that help before the age of 3 was essential. So he brought in children in the younger age group to take part. He knew how much toys get damaged, and committed his own toys to the center. Later he bought toys that worked well in the environment.
Again with his wife he founded a group called DEFEAT AUTISM IN NIGERIA. Though I do not think the disability can be defeated, it still has great potential to fight the stigma associated with autism.
One way it fights the distrust associated with autism is by speaking out publicly. Engr. Chidi K.C. Izuwah spoke about the disability many times. He did not want people to have a fear of autism. Nor did he want people to associate it with faulty parenting. He recognized that autistic children are citizens of the country and deserve equal rights under the law.
Autism in Nigeria
My Own Familiarity
My own familiarity with autism is in my daughter’s son, Ikem. He is now 7 and growing so tall!
He has some speech understanding but not enough to hear very well. After a year+ he is now going back to his special school. I hope he will do well there.
Looking forward, I think he might have more speech in the next year. I may have a better opportunity to connect with him! At least I will understand him more easily.
Young Nigerians with Disabilities Look to Soccer for Relief
Soccer is very popular in Nigeria. 
In one town, Katsina, the team plays daily. Their goal is to win of course, but in the meantime, they are training for leisure and health. I saw this report in “Deutsche Welle.”
Disability doesn’t stop them from playing soccer. The activity is recreational and serves for socialization. . . The rules of the game have been adapted for fun.
This team represents the town of Katsina in national competitions. Other towns also have teams. The rules are similar but specific to this particular game.
The games usually take place in the late afternoon. But guess what? “These young people don’t care much about the weather. Every day is a day for playing soccer,” they say.
Without Twitter, Can Nigeria Still be a Tech Hub?
Today Nigeria can hardly be a Tech Hub! Without Twitter, the country suffers from a ban on the social media site.
It seems likely that the ban will stay in effect for a while. It could even be until the next election in 2023.
