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Nigerian with disability speaks against Emirates Airline’s ‘humiliating’ treatment

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A Nigerian entrepreneur living with a disability, Margaret Arinola Adeyileka, has spoken out against the discriminatory treatment she said was received from Emirates Airline in China.

Adeyileka, who has been unable to walk for over 20 years, was denied boarding on a flight from Guangzhou to Lagos State due to her mobility scooter.

According to Adeyileka in a press release on Thursday, she was informed by the Emirates staff at the check-in counter in China that her mobility scooter would not be allowed on the aircraft. This decision was made despite her having successfully traveled with the scooter on numerous occasions.

Adeyileka expressed her distress and humiliation at the experience, stating that it not only stripped her of her dignity but also violated her fundamental rights. “For someone with a disability, a mobility scooter is not just a device — it is an extension of my body and my legs. Being denied the use of it was akin to having my legs taken away,” she lamented.

She added, “I was left immobile for hours while Emirates staff displayed a shocking lack of empathy. Several foreign onlookers expressed disbelief, remarking that such treatment could only happen to an African, as it appeared Emirates Airline had little regard for Nigerians.”

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Adeyileka regretted that despite her repeated pleas, the Emirates staff offered no assistance or viable alternatives. She was eventually forced to board the flight without her scooter, and she had to be physically carried onto the aircraft like a child by three to four adults.

“The humiliation and emotional pain of this experience were unbearable,” she said. “As a hardworking entrepreneur, I contribute to Nigeria’s economy while empowering others. For the first time in years, I found myself in tears, overwhelmed by the injustice I faced.”

Adeyileka is calling on the Nigerian authorities to hold Emirates Airline and other airlines accountable for their discriminatory actions against Nigerians, particularly those with disabilities.

“This incident goes beyond personal grievance; it highlights a pattern of discrimination against Nigerians and persons with disabilities. No one should endure such indignity, especially from an airline operating in our country,” she said.

Adeyileka, who hopes to arrive in Nigeria on Friday, December 6, 2024, on Emirates EK 783, appealed to the media to amplify her story and shed light on the injustice.

“I urge the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that airlines operating in Nigeria respect the rights of all passengers, regardless of their disability status,” she said.

The incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many calling for Emirates Airline to apologize and compensate Adeyileka for her ordeal.

“This is unacceptable and embarrassing,” said a Nigerian traveler who wished to remain anonymous. “Emirates Airline needs to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that their staff are trained to handle passengers with disabilities with dignity and respect.”

The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of disability rights in Nigeria.

“This incident is a wake-up call for all of us to recognize the importance of promoting disability rights and inclusion in our society,” said a disability rights advocate. “We need to work together to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all Nigerians, regardless of their disability status.”

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