From blessing to curse: disability inclusion in Nigeria

Hear how God is transforming lives through disability inclusion in Nigeria's capital, in the city of Lagos.

Breaking down barriers

Sadly, many churches still hold harmful beliefs about disability. Some see it as a curse or punishment. But Greg’s story from our recent mission to Lagos, Nigeria, shows how lives – and mindsets – can be transformed.

Greg contracted polio, aged 5, and now uses a wheelchair. His father believed Greg’s disability was an attack from the enemy. So he started taking Greg to churches; Greg still has physical scars from them ‘removing the demons’ so that he would walk. At church, children couldn’t play with him. He was isolated because every parent said, ‘I don’t want my child to be like Greg.’ This mentally affected Greg so much that he tried to end his life.

This time, there is a happy ending (read on below). But Greg’s childhood experience is sadly very common – often caused by wrong beliefs, that disability has to be a curse or punishment. Jesus challenged these misconceptions. When asked why a man was born blind, He replied:
“It isn’t because this man sinned… He was born blind so that God’s power could be shown.” (John 9:3, NIrV)

The greatest barriers are often invisible – formed by attitudes, not architecture.

A mission of transformation

Changing lives starts with changing attitudes. Through the Roof leads Roofbreaker events to help churches understand the physical, cultural, and spiritual barriers disabled people face – and how to break them down.

Inspired by the biblical account where friends lowered a paralysed man through a roof to reach Jesus, Roofbreakers are disability champions – individuals or teams in churches who help make inclusion a reality. These International Roofbreaker events often follow Wheels for the World missions, organised by Through the Roof to distribute wheelchairs and Bibles.

In 2025, a UK team including Janet Eardley and Anne Nicholls joined local partners to run a Roofbreaker event in Lagos. 140 people attended – and Greg shared his story publicly.

Greg shared that, despite all his negative experiences of churches seeing him as cursed, he was still seeking God.

Through all these challenges, Greg went to university, and tried a nearby church. But to get Greg in his wheelchair into the church they had to lift him, and he was uncomfortable at the attention it brought. So, instead, he went to a very small church. After Greg visited this church once, by the very next Sunday they’d opened a new door and fitted a ramp. From that day, he started attending that church.

After one month, two other people in wheelchairs started coming – word had spread of an accessible church! Then the church welfare people realised it was costing Greg a lot of money to get there. They said “You can’t afford this. We will be taking care of your transport.”

As Greg says, “These are the little, little things that we can do and then we will draw people with disabilities, and they will come and worship.”

 

Why disability inclusion matters

Roofbreaker events are grounded in the Gospel truth: every person is made in God’s image and deeply valued. Disabled people are often excluded or seen as less able to contribute – but Jesus showed us otherwise.

In the ‘Roofbreaker’ account from Luke 5 / Mark 2:

• the friends showed faith and took action
• Jesus welcomed the disabled man as a friend
• He addressed the man’s spiritual needs first
• his healing revealed Jesus’ divine authority
• people's hearts and minds were changed
• God was glorified.

Disability inclusion isn’t a side issue. It is the Gospel – good news for all, including those living with disabilities. Greg’s life is a testimony to that truth.

On the ground in Lagos

Anne, one of our Roofbreaker volunteers, reports:

“We met Greg and Yemisi, both polio survivors, who shared their personal journeys. We witnessed people receive audio Bibles in their local languages – they were overjoyed! Church leaders responded positively, committing to practical changes like installing ramps. Many hearts were changed as they now regard disabled people as 'made in the image of God', 'adopted in his family'.”

Seeds of change

The mission sparked a lasting impact. Rev. Moses, a local minister, is now a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in Nigeria, and said of the event:

“It’s been an eye opening and wonderful programme, it’s been enlightening, educative and inspiring. As a matter of fact, it’s been transformational.”

We believe this is just the beginning. Seeds of inclusion have been planted and will continue to grow in Lagos and beyond.

A Journey of Inclusion: Access, Belonging, Commission

Roofbreaker events help churches and communities embrace what we call the ABC journey of inclusion:

• Access: Greg’s new church made it physically possible for him to attend by adding a ramp and opening a new door.
• Belonging: The church welcomed and valued Greg, taking care of his transport arrangements.
• Commission: Greg now shares his story to inspire others and to welcome more disabled people into the Church.

This journey reflects the Great Commission – equipping all believers, including disabled people, to share God’s love.

Join us in making a difference

You can be part of this life-changing work. Whether through volunteering, giving, or praying, your support helps empower disabled people in low-income countries and change perceptions worldwide. Visit our International Roofbreaker page to find out more.

Together, we’re transforming lives – one story at a time.