The Oakonsult Disabilities Outreach has emphasised the need for inclusive care and specialised support for children with disabilities in Nigeria, stating that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of medical or neurological challenges.

Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) of the Outreach, Olufunke Adeloye, who spoke during a media briefing for the groundbreaking of the OAK Centre Prime, yesterday, a dedicated facility for children with special needs, noted that inadequate specialised care, limited educational opportunities, and societal stigma had led to the marginalisation of children with disabilities.

“The vision for this centre emerged from the desire to impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as enabling them to experience a fuller and more abundant life,” she said.

The OAK Centre Prime will provide diagnostic services, respite accommodation, and daycare for children and young adults with disabilities. It will also integrate educational and therapeutic programmes aimed at equipping them with essential life skills.

Adeloye, who noted that the Centre would offer critical support, such as communication aids, educational resources, personal care equipment and respite care, expressed the desire to collaborate with the government.

She noted the challenges in navigating Nigeria’s bureaucratic system and hoped that the government sees the sincerity, possibilities, and transformative change the initiative can bring to the society.

The CRO further stated that with a minimum capacity to accommodate 250 children at a time, the OAK Centre Prime is expected to impact the lives of over 1,000 young people yearly.

A member of the advisory board, Deji Irawo, stressed the importance of societal inclusivity and the need for Nigeria to prioritise children with special needs, adding that national conversation on the inclusion of children with disabilities is essential to finding lasting solutions, recognise the value of children with disabilities and ensure they receive the care and opportunities they deserve.