“We must keep on trying to solve problems, one by one, stage by stage, if not on the basis of confidence and cooperation, at least on that of mutual toleration and self-interest.”
Denying people with disability access is denying us the right to exist. There’s need to enhance accessibility across Nigeria for Special citizens. The Nigeria Accessibility Walk is our own little way of contributing towards this improvement.
AREA
From the famous Cathedral Church of Christ to UBA Marina (900m) looked straight and short but while we were busy taking photos and checking for accessibility trails we got exhausted pretty quickly. Then another 800m to Tinubu Fountain Park and 500m back our starting point (We focused energy looking for signs and features capable of easing movements for people with special needs. Some dramatic events occurred along the way.
OBSERVATIONS
So, the people who built Marina really had some sense of accessibility (they deserve some accolades). The pedestrian walk, elevated, had accessible trails which enables people with less mobility to navigate. A clear challenge was the distortion due to renovations and placement of flower pots on the pathway.
One wheelchair user said he prefers moving on the road rather than give himself stress swinging “up and down”. There are ramps that are sharply slanted, which may be difficult for wheelchair user pushing himself.
About 50% of the buildings have accessibility trails but less than 20% do not have the sign boldly indicated in front of the buildings.
Local Guides spent ample time talking to security guards on this topic and 100% of them showed interests while cooperating with us by giving us details. At the UBA Towers, which is the tallest building on the Marina, we got to know they have an automated accessible system leading to the elevators.
Glaringly, there are efforts to provide accessibility within the CBD but it is limited to physical mobility only. Auditory and visual aids are also veritable accessibility tools.
It goes to show that every building and organization can provide accessibility if the appropriate persons become aware of these essential needs. An effective law would also fast track compliance.
DISCOVERIES
One of the major dramatic turnaround during the walk was the discovery of a new Garden and Park at the end of the Marina! It was green and gorgeous we couldn’t resist going in to see things for ourselves. While admiring the plants, flowers and landscape we found two extensions of the park. A larger park located under the Apongbon Bridge and the Bola Tinubu’s Regalia sculpture. We swiftly added the locations to the map.
We met some folks relaxing in the park and we couldn’t hold our curiosity. The flowers, the pavements, trees, sculpture and natural grass made it the right place for hangout but we had to proceed.
FUN
Traversing Apongbon/Marina back to Broad Street was a long walk for tiring legs. For hopeful hearts it was worth it. The entire crew became excited when the sound of water waves became apparent in the atmosphere. Being a Sunday, some fun and social activities dotted the environment. Children, parents, couples and individuals came out to admire the waterworks while loosening-up in the park. Local Guides couldn’t wait to have photos and videos of this iconic Tinubu Fountain Square. It seemed the climax of our walk and surely everyone felt great.
PHOTO STYLE
Taking photos of the skyscrapers on the Marina was not ergonomic. Due to space limitations, moving backwards to snap an entire building, like the UBA Towers, demanded some comical gestures. It is normal for LGs. We just do it to get better imageries for users. The price we pay?
We had a visitor! This elderly citizen observed our T shirts and decided to ask few questions and he was impressed with our project. He is a retired civil servant. It was amazing learning some historical facts from him.
The Nigeria Accessible Walk (Marina) was a great gathering for Local Guides in Lagos. Amazingly, the weather and traffic listened to our prayers. All participants arrived at the expected time frame. It was glad to know Joe made it from Ajah which normally takes 2hours on a working day. Lerrato was able to find parking space; quite a rare occurrence, I must say. Apparently, Sunday was the best choice for this event in the Central Business District of Lagos.
This is our first Accessible Walk in the quest to improve related information for map users especially people with special needs.
It wouldn’t have been a success with great Local Guides who sacrificed their rest day to partake in the meet-up. @Lelekena @Specobelle @HelloSamsonR @Adebambo @user_not_found Walson, Aisha
We look forward to having more LGs in July. Let’s make Nigeria more accessible!
Here is a link to the amazing photos - https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ar2NKdr6MRztzC5U2
and a iink to short video https://photos.app.goo.gl/t34ewiH7qq2zcl4x1
What do you think and how can this meet up be improved? @TraciC @KarenVChin @ErmesT @Badruddeen
xoxo
'Emeka
. Cheers to more meetups and more fun!
