Calls Grow for Greater Awareness, Health Insurance Coverage, and Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities
By The Qualitative Magazine (TQM)
The streets of Abuja were filled with color, music, and compassion on Saturday, October 4, 2025, as parents of children with disabilities, partners, friends, and advocates joined The Engraced Ones Prayers Support And Advocacy Initiative to mark the 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day.
Under the global theme “Unique AND United,” the event called for unity in diversity — urging everyone to move beyond limitations and celebrate the unique strengths of persons with cerebral palsy (CP).
Organized by The Engraced Ones in collaboration with Liliane Fonds, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), and Patsilver Educational Support and Therapy Centre, Abuja, the celebration aimed to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, promote inclusion, and dismantle social barriers that hinder full participation of people with disabilities.
Awareness Walk Spreads Message of Inclusion Across Abuja
The event began at Patsilver Educational Support and Therapy Centre, located at Block C, Pilot Science Primary School, 12 Mombasa Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. From there, participants — including parents, children, caregivers, and supporters — embarked on an awareness walk through major streets of Wuse District.
They carried placards with bold messages of hope, inclusion, and equality, stopping at markets and public spaces to sensitize residents on the realities of living with cerebral palsy and the importance of ending discrimination.
In addition to the walk, participants enjoyed a lineup of activities including a walkathon, guest talks, live music, entertainment, and public sensitization. Medical and psychological experts were also on hand to provide guidance on therapy, rehabilitation, and education support for children with CP.
“We Must Stop Discrimination and Support Inclusion” — Air Vice Marshal Yinkere
Speaking to The Qualitative Magazine (TQM), Air Vice Marshal Yinkere, Chairman of the Board of The Engraced Ones, described the walk as an essential part of activities marking World Cerebral Palsy Day, celebrated globally every October 6th.
“The essence of this awareness walk is to enlighten the public about cerebral palsy for better understanding and acceptance. These children are special and deserve love, respect, and opportunities like every other child,” he said.
He emphasized that taking care of children with cerebral palsy is expensive — particularly in areas of healthcare and education.
“Government should expand the health insurance scheme to include these children. Their medical care is costly, and therapy is a lifelong need. Also, more support should go to inclusive education because training a child with intellectual disabilities requires substantial financial resources,” he added.
TLMN Reaffirms Commitment to Children with Disabilities
Representing The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), Delphine Soufo highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities, emphasizing that cerebral palsy is a key focus area in their advocacy for inclusion and rehabilitation.
“TLMN is passionate about children with disabilities, and those with cerebral palsy are not left out. That’s why we are partnering with The Engraced Ones — to ensure these children’s rights are protected and their well-being promoted,” Soufo said.
She urged the Nigerian government to subsidize physiotherapy services, explaining that regular therapy is essential for children with CP to maintain strength, movement, and independence.
“Physiotherapy is critical for these children. If it remains unaffordable, many families will be forced to stop treatment, and that could hinder rehabilitation,” she noted.
Educating the Next Generation on Acceptance and Understanding
According to Chinelo Akinola, Supervisor at The Engraced Ones, the celebration went beyond public awareness — it also served as an educational platform for children and parents alike.
“We used the day to sensitize children without disabilities on the importance of inclusion and non-discrimination. Parents were also educated about cerebral palsy — how to manage the condition, and how to provide emotional and physical support to their children,” Akinola explained.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is one of the leading causes of physical disability in children, affecting millions globally. The condition does not discriminate — it cuts across age, gender, and social status.
Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages early intervention, and promotes access to healthcare and education for children and adults with CP.
United for a Common Cause
Through partnerships with organizations like Liliane Fonds, TLMN, and Patsilver Therapy Centre, The Engraced Ones continues to champion the cause of children with cerebral palsy — creating platforms for advocacy, education, and community engagement.
As the awareness walk came to an end, one powerful message resonated across the crowd — “We Are Unique AND United.”
A message of hope, unity, and resilience — reminding all that inclusion begins when society learns to see beyond disability.
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