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Don’t shield children with special needs from education, Obasanjo cautions parents

By Ujunwa Atueyi
16 June 2016   |   6:20 am
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has appealed to parents of kids with deformities to desist from keeping such kids in hiding.
Former Presisdent Olusegun Obasanjo interacting with some of the physically challenged children at the commissioning of Do-Est Dot International School, Lagos

Former Presisdent Olusegun Obasanjo interacting with some of the physically challenged children at the commissioning of Do-Est Dot International School, Lagos

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has appealed to parents of kids with deformities to desist from keeping such kids in hiding.

Speaking recently at the commissioning of Do-Est Dot International School, Idimu, Lagos (an educational institution for children with special educational needs), Obasanjo said availing such kids education specifically designed for them, would help them live a meaningful life since there is ability in disability.

He commended the management of the institution for dedicating their time, resources and commitment to the wellbeing of children living with disabilities, adding that God has never created any man to be valueless to the society.

He said, “This is a very unique occasion in my life and an unusual exercise for me. I have been to a number of educational institutions, I have been to a number of places within and outside the country, but this is the first occasion in my life to commission a school building specifically dedicated to handicapped children. It is indeed so dear to my heart.

“To parents, please bear in mind that God has never created any man not to be useful or not to be teachable. Their predicament should not be seen as entirely hopeless. Bring them out to institutions like this. With adequate care, they would live meaningfully. If you look at the history of the world, some of the people that made significant contribution in life are men and women we wanted to write off because of their disabilities. So, I appeal to all parents, this is a challenge we must surmount, just like the school is doing.”

Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Esther Ogunbayo, described the school is a divine project from heaven, which every part of it must be completed according to God’s purpose.

“When God gave me two deaf and dumb children (my first and last child), I sought for miracle here and there and it wasn’t forthcoming. And then I got the ministration of this divine project. And today with adequate care and good education they are all successful. So parents do not weep over these children, with your support and strength, they would live a meaningful life,” she assured.

3 Comments

  • Author’s gravatar

    I am highly humbled by this move and divine initiative. I pray the Lord would sustain this lofty project IJMN. The Lord grant you the wisdom to turn the situation of this great children aright.

  • Author’s gravatar

    I am pretty sure that the God who called you onto this project will empower and fulfill your life’s mission. Because for those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Remain blessed!!!

  • Author’s gravatar

    May the Lord Jesus continue to guide, lead and strengthen you. You have an uncommon calling Mrs Ogunbayo.