TQM report,
The second annual programme of Onaopemipo Center for children and youths with special need’s ( NGO) Tagged “ LET’S MAKE THEM HAPPY” was held on Saturday 18th December,2021.
The founder of the centre, Pastor Olumide Ojo in his opening address said the center which was established in year 2018 is committed to actively raising the quality of life of children and youths with disability for them to achieve their full potentials. He explained further that the center has the mission to provide practical step by step assistance children and youths with disability to live a fulfilled life.
He said further that disability has become a social stigma in our society often leading to discrimination and isolation of victims. The social discrimination combined with poor health conditions plays havoc with their lives, especially children with intellectual disability. He stressed further that parents with disabled children also face financial and psycho-social hardship, they tend to be unseen, unheard, uncounted and un-represented. He therefore urge Government, philanthropist, civil society organization, NGOS and all well meaning Nigerians to support the cause of children with disability and their parents. He concluded his speech by telling the participants that “we all rise by lifting others, It is not about how much we have but having the mind to help when, how and where we can! Together, we can make the world a better place”
One of the guest speaker at the event, Professor Rotimi Sanya, former Provost College of medicine, Afe Babalola University who spoke extensively on the causes, prevention and maintenance of disability explained that there are primary, secondary and other causes of disability. He said further that apart from genetic reasons, the major problem in children occur in the labour room. “ Most children pass through a lot of trauma during labour, although God gave children the ability to overcome trauma more than the adults, once the trauma they pass through is too much (during delivery) it takes the Grace of God for such child not to be disabled. He therefore urge pregnant women to always take caution during pregnancy about what they eat, their hygiene and the type of medical attention they seek. The medical personnel should also be professional during delivery
He urged parents to always guide their babies and kids from head injuries while playing which they may not even noticed for months but later result into disability.
He stated further that government and all stakeholders need to do more in providing good health care facilities to attend to pregnant women and children. Early intervention for children with disability go a long way in reducing their disability and become useful for themselves and the society at large.
Another guest speaker at the Event, Mr. Funso Olajide, the Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) encouraged the audience to always show empathy to people with disabilities and not sympathy. Speaking further, he charged parents to always show love to both their children with/without disabilities equally. He urged people to always respect the opinion of people with disability, show them understanding and always give them positive attitudes.
Other dignitary at the occasion are Dr. (Mrs.) Owoola, (Commissioner III at Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission), Hon. Obanise (Board Chairman Ekiti State Disability Commission), Manager Moremi Clinic, Ado Ekiti and Executive Director of GRIP, Barr. Rita Ilevbare, Mr. Rotimi Bejide (A radio presenter on Disability at Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State)
