Recently, Nollywood actress Jigan Babaoja addressed how a disabled person can navigate life in America. As he arrives in the US, Jigan is shown in an internet video being helped in a wheelchair by a lady, underscoring the care provided because of his leg ailment.
At first reluctant due to the Nigerian way of rejecting pity, Jigan acknowledged his increasing gratitude for the support he had received in the US. He underlined that he had never seen a crippled person like himself strolling alone in the US without assistance and pointed out the sharp difference between the treatment of disabled people in Nigeria and America. This finding emphasizes the many advantages of residing in a community that gives accessibility and assistance to persons with disabilities first priority.
Jigan Babaoja underlined from his personal experience the value of compassion and empathy in removing obstacles and advancing diversity. He spoke on the advantages of these kinds of support networks and considered how they improve the lives of people with disabilities by making everyday tasks more doable and respectable.
In his own words, Jigan shared: "The real advantage of disability in another part of the world. Since I have been traveling, they offered me the option of getting a wheelchair because of my leg, but the Nigerian mentality of not wanting pity hasn’t left my head. Since being in the USA, I have never seen anyone like me walking alone without assistance. But in Nigeria, instead of helping, people would try to take advantage. This shows I’m actually a special being. Touchdown in Chicago. I think I’ll apply for SSI now."
Jigan's observations highlight how urgently handicapped people everywhere need more accessibility and social assistance.