REPORT ON THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF ONAOPEMIPO CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OCCYSN, (NGO)
ThONAOPEMIPO Center For Children And Youth With Special Needs (OCCYCN ) a registered Non-Governmental organization tagged “LET’S MAKE THEM HAPPY” held her first annual programme on 12th December, 2020 at 2 Iwaro quarters, Off Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Deacon Olumide Ojo, the Chief Executive Director(CED) of OCCYSN while delivering the welcome address informed the gathering that the organization is committed to actively raising the quality of life of children and youths with disabilities. The main vision of the organization is to make it possible for the special children and Youths to achieve full potential while the mission is to provide practical step by step assistance .
The First guest speaker at the occasion, Mr Olajide Funso, the Executive Director (ED) of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), who spoke on the topic- Roles of parents in parenting Children with disabilities in Nigeria, encouraged parents and guardian of children with disabilities to always show empathy and never to sympathize with them. They should love them like any other children and try to find out their area of strength/interest which they should work on and assist them to develop. He stated further that parents should also defend them from societal discrimination to build up their confidence and never spoil them by pampering them.
Other topics delivered at the occasion are -disability is never a barrier by Miss Sefunmi Victoria , the Executive Director (Victoria Dorcas Ability Foundation) and the roles of Care-giver by a Social Welfare expert.
The Chief Executive Director (CED) of OCCYSN while highlighting the needs of the Center listed shortage of Special teachers, lack of school bus, lack of permanent accommodation (Hostel and classrooms), High cost of medication, shortage of Vocational training materials & toys for children, shortage of special teaching and learning aids among others.
He appealed to philanthropists and all well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the center in putting smiles to the faces of children and Youth living with disability and help them maximize their potential. He appreciated everybody who are present at the occasion for supporting the OCCYSN vision.
He gave kudos to Mrs Olumide Wumi, the Executive Director of the organization for her commitment and sacrifice.
There was cultural display and rendition of various songs which lifted up the spirit and encourage the Children and Youth with disabilities their parents and the caregivers.
The programme was well attended by Children and Youth with disabilities, their parents/ guardian and other dignitaries.
