Yesterday night, I was uploading some photos to Maps, when I came across this photo of a Staircase in a Local Manufacturing Company; Amel Susan Products.
I love to Support Local businesses and I am a big fan of “Buy Nigerian , Grow the Naira”
It was my first time of visiting the facility, even though, I have been buying from Amel Susan for a while, I usually send others.
While I made to upload my photos, this particular one struck me!
"The stairs are the path to a higher level, they symbolize the challenge and the struggle but also the achievement of superior knowledge and awareness. Both the doorway and the stairs carry strong meanings and I think is not by chance that they engraved those words there." by @Giu_DiB in this comment he made to me.
Have you ever seen something during your daily activities that reminded you of another Local Guide? Will you share with me below?
Thanks for tagging me in this post. I find the photo you shared quite interesting, first of all because I like stairs, as you know, secondly because I like symmetry in photography. Like in this case.
I guess that comes because the pricier places can afford to cater for the disabled and the others may not be able to until they’re all forced to when laws come @Ewaade_3A
But, it is not like this in the other countries I have been to, who see this as a necessity. So, I believe that our Government needs to do better before enforcing laws on anyone.
How are you footing the bills for and funding your business, fixing your own water, electricity and so much more, paying such big taxes to Government to fix or do what exactly, and still be enforced to do more with little or no support? @PaulPavlinovich
Fun Fact-
Where my business is located, there is only one accessible place(it is a Gas Plant). Also, I have only seen 1 person on a Wheelchair and one with a walking stick. My business has been at that location for 4 years!
In the Church where I worship, I have seen only one boy being brought to Mass on a Stroller and only about 3 to 4 Parishioners with a walking stick of an over 6000 population
When I was attending Mass at Lekki, Specifically; CCDM, this is one of the most Accessible Catholic Churches here in Lagos and Lekki is a high brow area, where the Creme de la Creme of High Society live. I have seen only 1 elderly woman being brought to Church in a wheelchair and maybe 2-3 with a walker.
My father has used a Walking stick for more than 6 years, yet, He stays not on the Ground floor of His Duplex but on the first floor. He is over 71 years old
My father only accepted to sit in a Wheelchair for the first time when we were running late to catch a flight from Virginia to Atlanta, else He would walk all the way! We ended up missing the flight, though
Here, you will find a heavily Pregnant woman taking part in the Good Friday Passion drama or taking part in Pilgrimages
There are a Plethora of herbal medicine here that promise Strength, agility, virility, mobility, etc
What’s my point in all of these Paul? I think it is a mindset of the Africans, of we Nigerians, that being able to move and move actively is a necessity in life and without that, you are deficient. My dad will scream at you for walking slowly, even when there is no place you are going in particular.
So, businesses begin to think; “if I build and install these features, will they be used?” This is why I have said we need to fix our mindset first. @PaulPavlinovich
In Italy no private business is obliged to display public officials in their premises. In the offices of the public administration there is the consuetude to post up a photo of the president of the republic, but that’s not a legal obligation. Displaying pictures of any other public official in public offices is forbidden.
We removed the obligation, which was in place under the monarchy, until 1948, when the republican constitution came into effect, in order to avoid any form of cult of personality.
I love this ‘cult of personality’, even though I don’t know what it means.
And now you mention this Monarchy, I know where this practice stemmed from. You know we were once under Colonial rule and I remember watching a Movie; October 1 and seeing photos of the Queen being replaced with our new Heads after we gained independence on the 1st of October, 1960.
Finally, I know where this practice stemmed from. @Giu_DiB
You know you have to come share with me what ‘Cult of Personality’ means when you are free. Thank you very much!
Now, I finally have a reason to put you up for sale @AdamGT
What is wrong with you, Adam?! I wish I never read your post in public. Now, I have to Stifle this laughter.
On another note,
Let me tell you, Adam. I intended making a post about my journey to Level 9, I had it all planned out in my head, but right before I could celebrate, they stole my phone and that ruined my mood.
You are annoying just know today, in case no one ever told you
@Ewaade_3A thank you for tagging me. Your photo of the staircase is quite interesting and at the same time saddening. Why because it a good photo capture while neglecting standards (accessibility). Does this place have an elevator or alternative route with ramp to the top floor(s)?
Remember Nigeria recently passed the Disability Act three years ago and signed by the President in 2019. So, the law has just started enforcement. Unlike U.S ADA and other countries that have their disability laws way back in the 80s/90s.
Nigeria’s law provides that any new building without accessibility would pay N100,000 daily until it is fixed while old buildings are allowed five years to retrofix. So we are getting there.
Also, following our Accessible Nigeria meet-ups across the country, I would rather say that organizations that have accessibility features are more exposed or enlightened rather than being pricier. For example all Shoprites in Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, etc) have basic accessibility features like dedicated parking, accessible rest rooms, elevators, signage, electronic board, wide doors etc. Unlike other businesses with presence across the country too.
Also when you look at some skyscrapers /structures built in the 70s and 80s around Marina, they have these accessible environment compared with recent buildings say on V.I or Lekki.
When you visit Abuja you will notice that accessibility features are more pronounced than in Lagos. Traci and other LGs who attend our meet-ups can testify.
So it is not about money but quality of the contractor or owners who adopt accessibility features. This boils down to awareness and strict adherence to building codes.
I tagged you because I know you will know all the details I may struggle with.
Talking about Shoprite now, Shoprite isn’t a Nigerian company.
And to have these kind of contractors you speak of, is it not money it will cost?
Now, I have one more thing to share with people when I visit places like this.100,000 daily is very big money indeed.
Do you know as big as Alaba International market and Trade Fair are, no Plaza is Accessible?
To your question, No, I wrote in my Review that there are no Accessibility features in this location.
Thank you for the enlightenment, Emmy. You may want to read my response to Paul too concerning how we need to fix our mindset first before we begin fixing these features. @EmekaUlor
, Grow the Naira”
