Foundation advocates inclusion for children with disabilities
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to disability inclusion, stating that equal access to education, growth, and belonging for children with disabilities is a matter
- By Glorious Idowu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to disability inclusion, stating that equal access to education, growth, and belonging for children with disabilities is a matter of justice and equity rather than charity.
He disclosed that Lagos State currently operates more than 50 inclusive schools where children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, supported by investments in teacher capacity, specialised learning tools, and improved infrastructure to enhance learning outcomes.
The governor who spoke at the Nima Memorial Care Foundation’s 2026 Annual Symposium and Grand Ball held last week Sunday, at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs. Omolade Adeola Sonubi.
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The event, themed Empowering Every Child: Breaking Barriers for Children with Disabilities brought together policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, families, and members of the accredited press to promote awareness and inclusive development for children living with disabilities.
He commended the Nima Memorial Care Foundation for its consistent advocacy and support for families navigating systems often not designed with persons living with disabilities in mind.
Highlighting ongoing government efforts, the governor outlined several initiatives implemented through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), including early identification and intervention programs aimed at ensuring children receive timely support through strengthened community-based health systems.
He noted that there are expanded accesses to healthcare and assistive devices, adding that recent interventions provided over 100 assistive tools to improve mobility, communication, and independence for beneficiaries.
Other initiatives highlighted include financial support programmes for families and caregivers, improved accessibility across public spaces and transportation systems, and increased collaboration with private sector and civil society organisations to create employment and entrepreneurship pathways for persons with disabilities.
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The Governor emphasized that the true measure of development lies in inclusiveness, urging stakeholders across government, private institutions, and civil society to recommit to building a Lagos where no child is left behind.
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Co-founder of the foundation, Mrs. Zainab Abdumalik Muhammed called for stronger collaboration among government, stakeholders, and communities to improve opportunities for children with disabilities. She described the gathering as more than a celebration but a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, is recognised, valued, and given equal opportunities to thrive.
She noted that children with disabilities should be defined not by limitations but by their potential, resilience, and creativity, stressing that societal attitudes such as stigma, neglect, and misunderstanding remain major barriers to inclusion.
According to her, empowerment involves providing access to quality education, creating inclusive spaces free from discrimination, and promoting advocacy that shifts society from pity to meaningful opportunity.
She emphasised that empowering children with disabilities strengthens families and communities while contributing to a more just and compassionate society. She also called on policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to work collectively toward policies and systems that protect the dignity and rights of every child.
The symposium ended with a renewed call for sustained advocacy, partnerships, and collective action to break barriers and ensure children with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential. Funds raised during the event will support the Foundation’s programmes focused on child welfare, healthcare interventions, empowerment initiatives, clean water projects, and orphanage support across Nigeria.
