…as experts call for national conversation on inclusion, partnership with government
In a powerful stride toward fostering inclusivity and dismantling barriers for children with disabilities in Nigeria, the OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach has reiterated the urgent need for inclusive care and specialised support systems that ensure no child is left behind. This call was made during a media briefing held in Abuja to announce the groundbreaking of the OAK Centre Prime — a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve as a sanctuary and empowerment hub for children and young adults with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) of OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, Olufunke Adeloye, passionately underscored the neglect and marginalisation faced by children with disabilities, citing inadequate specialised care, limited access to education, and deep-rooted societal stigma as some of the leading causes of exclusion.
“The vision for this Centre emerged from a place of deep empathy and unwavering commitment to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Every child, regardless of medical or neurological condition, deserves the opportunity to live a full and dignified life,” Adeloye stated.
The soon-to-be-launched OAK Centre Prime aims to be a game-changer in the disability care landscape in Nigeria. The centre will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including diagnostic assessments, respite accommodation, therapeutic daycare, and personalised educational programmes for children and young adults with disabilities. It is also designed to integrate therapeutic and life-skill development programmes that will equip beneficiaries with the tools needed to navigate the world with confidence and independence.
With a capacity to cater to 250 children at any given time, the OAK Centre Prime is expected to impact the lives of over 1,000 children and young adults annually, providing not just care, but also a pathway to hope, healing, and holistic development.
Adeloye further revealed that the Centre would offer a range of critical support services such as communication aids, educational resources, personal care equipment, and respite care, creating a much-needed safety net for families and caregivers of children with special needs.
While calling on the Nigerian government for strategic collaboration, Adeloye did not shy away from highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles that have long impeded initiatives focused on disability inclusion. She expressed optimism that the sincerity of the project and its potential for transformative change would inspire the government to partner in meaningful ways.
“We are open and willing to collaborate with all tiers of government, but we must also acknowledge the challenges of navigating Nigeria’s complex bureaucratic systems. Still, we remain hopeful that with shared vision and sincerity of purpose, we can work together to create the kind of change our children truly deserve.”
The Centre has already received notable backing from stakeholders in the disability and education space. One of the advisory board members, Deji Irawo, lent his voice to the call for a national conversation on disability inclusion, stressing the importance of shifting societal perceptions and attitudes towards children with disabilities.
“For far too long, children with special needs have been pushed to the sidelines. If we are serious about building a just and inclusive Nigeria, we must begin to prioritise these children—not just in words, but in policy, funding, and public engagement. We need to recognise their value and ensure they receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.”
Irawo added that the Centre is not just a physical space but a symbol of possibility, compassion, and transformation, reflecting what a truly inclusive Nigeria could look like.
The launch of the OAK Centre Prime comes at a critical time, as conversations around disability inclusion in Nigeria continue to gain momentum. With nearly 30 million persons with disabilities in the country, of whom a significant number are children, the need for purpose-built facilities and comprehensive support systems has never been more urgent.
As the groundbreaking draws closer, the Oakonsult Disabilities Outreach is extending invitations to public and private sector actors, development partners, and civil society organisations to join hands in this bold journey to rewrite the narrative for children with disabilities in Nigeria.
Indeed, the OAK Centre Prime is more than a facility — it is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that every child matters. With the right care, support, and opportunity, every child, regardless of ability, can thrive.
