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By Christy Anyanwu
Lagos State Government and the Nima Memorial Care Foundation have called for more effort and resources to be dedicated to the education and wellbeing of children living with disabilities.
At an event organised by the foundation recently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and the co-founder of the Nima Memorial Care Foundation, Zainab Abdumalik Muhammed, made a case for children with disabilities, declaring that all children should be given the opportunity to learn, grow and have a sense of belonging, in spite of physical, developmental and competitive abilities.
During the Foundation’s annual symposium/grand ball in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Sonubi Omolade, Director, Administration and Human Resources Department, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, said the event was a call to action on “a responsibility we all share, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose and hope.”
She said: “This is no charity, it is justice, it is equity and it is the standard by which you must measure our progress as a society in Lagos State.
“We have chosen to confront this responsibility deliberately through the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA). We are spreading a system that recognises the right, dignity and potential of persons living with disabilities over the years. LASODA has grown into a critical institution registering over 100 disability associations and extending support across communities, ensuring that no group is excluded.”
She commended the foundation for its advocacy and commitment to children and families in the state who, she said, had to navigate systems that are not designed with them in mind, saying, “We are also giving inclusion at the grassroots level, working with local government, community structure and traditional institutions to ensure that accessibility and opportunity are not confined to policy documents alone but are also reflected in everyday life across our state, but we know that work has to be done; that is why in our approach, we are focused, practical and people-centred.”
Muhammed said children with disabilities should never be defined by what they cannot do, adding that they should be defined by their potential, courage, creativity and resilience.
In her address, she explained that this year’s theme, “Empowering Every Child: Breaking Barriers for Children with Disabilities,” was an invitation and a gentle, firm reminder of the responsibility society has towards children with disabilities.
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She said: “We’re here together to remember a truly beautiful soul, celebrate a legacy that lives on and renew our commitment to a mission that keeps growing stronger, making sure every child, no matter his/her disabilities, is seen, valued and given every chance to thrive.
“Because here’s the truth – children with disabilities aren’t defined by what they can’t do. They’re defined by their incredible potential, courage, creativity and sheer resilience.
“Yet, in too many places, barriers still stand in their way, not just physical ones, but the harder ones, including misunderstanding, stigma, neglect and missed opportunities. The biggest barrier of all isn’t a child’s condition, it’s when society hesitates to make room for them to shine.
“And when we step up to empower one child with disabilities, the impact ripples outward. We lift entire families. We strengthen whole communities. We help build the kind and just society we all want to live in.
“So, what does empowerment really look like? It means opening doors to quality education. It means creating spaces where every child can learn, play, grow and dream, free from discrimination. It means moving from pity to real opportunity, and from silence to courageous advocacy. Every child deserves dignity. Every child deserves inclusion. Every child deserves a fair chance.
“The Nima Memorial Care Foundation exists to make that promise real. Day by day, we turn love into tangible action, compassion into meaningful support and a precious memory into lasting change.
“Tonight reminds us that one life can spark so many others. Honouring this legacy isn’t just about looking back; it’s about carrying the journey forward with kindness, service and hope. But we can’t do this alone.
“No foundation, movement or mission succeeds in isolation. It takes all of us, working hand in hand.”
