Caption: Obagun (extreme right) giving smart cane to one of the sight impaired attendees.

Persons with disabilities from various institutions across Lagos were treated to a memorable celebration as The King’s Court, a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 39, Victoria Island, hosted its 2026 Diversity Sunday with the theme “Joy in Inclusion”.

The event brought together participants from organisations including Syndrome Foundation, the Cerebral Palsy Centre, Modupe Cole Memorial Orphanage for Physically and Mentally Challenged Persons, Pacelli School for the Blind, Bethesda School for the Blind and the Resource Centre for the Blind, among others.

The programme, which featured songs, dance, prayers and ministrations, created an atmosphere of joy and inclusion as the guests actively participated in the church service and other activities.

Anchored by disability rights advocate and church member, Adeola Obagun, the event also provided an opportunity for some participants to showcase their talents and entrepreneurial skills. At the end of the programme, a number of them displayed handcrafted items such as fabrics and adire for sale.

Speaking during the second service, the Blind Zonal Pastor of RCCG Lagos Province 69, Light of God Parish, Ikorodu, Adegoke Lawrence Arowosegbe, delivered a message titled “The Effect of Love.”

He stressed that genuine inclusion of persons with disabilities must be rooted in love, noting that compassion and acceptance remain central to building an inclusive society.

“The effect of love cannot be over-emphasised. Inclusion is not complete without love,” he said.
Obagun, who highlighted the significance of the programme, explained that Diversity Sunday was designed to celebrate persons with disabilities and integrate them fully into the life of the church and society.

She emphasised the need for stronger awareness and enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019.

According to her, the law makes discrimination against persons with disabilities a criminal offence, adding that any corporate organisation that violates the provision is liable to a fine of N1 million, while an individual offender may face a N100,000 fine or a six-month jail term.

She also noted that the law mandates public buildings to provide accessible facilities for persons with disabilities.
Obagun urged government authorities to ensure strict implementation of the law and encouraged both public and private organisations to reserve at least five per cent of their workforce for persons with disabilities.

Citing global statistics, she observed that more than one billion people worldwide live with disabilities, yet many of them remain absent from places of worship due to mobility challenges and social stigma.

She added that with supportive tools such as braille, sign language and assistive technologies, many limitations faced by persons with disabilities are gradually being overcome.

The church, she noted, has taken practical steps to ensure inclusivity through braille Bibles, sign language interpreters, ramp access, elevators with braille buttons and other support systems.
“Obagun disclosed that the Church previously held Diversity Sunday in 2022 and 2023 and plans to make it an annual programme aimed at promoting inclusion and breaking societal barriers”.