Humanitarian minister urges parents to celebrate children with disabilities
By Folasade Akpan
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has called on parents to support and celebrate their children with disabilities, regardless of their condition.
Yilwatda made this appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2025 Children’s Day Maiden Special Football Match and Recreational Event, organised by The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa.
The event aimed to showcase the sporting talents of children with disabilities and promote their social inclusion in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Children’s Day is celebrated annually on May 27 to honour children and highlight their rights, welfare, and potential as future leaders.
Speaking at the event, the minister revealed that he was born with a learning disability and credited his parents’ support for his success.
“Stand by your children; don’t be ashamed of them because they have a disability.
“The future of these children is very bright. I’m living proof that in every disability, there is ability.
“If someone like me with a learning disability could get help and succeed, then these children can become anything they set their minds to,” he said.
Yilwatda encouraged the children to aspire to greatness and not let any limitations hold them back.
“I look forward to seeing you become chief executives, international personalities, ministers, governors, and even president of Nigeria, so you can drive inclusivity for others,” he added.
He also highlighted government efforts to support schools attended by children with disabilities, including the provision of assistive devices to enhance learning.
In his remarks, Mr Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, said the event was organised to celebrate the potential of children with disabilities and advocated for their inclusion.
“This event sends a strong message that disability is not inability. Every child deserves the right to play, dream, and belong.
“Often, children with disabilities are excluded from mainstream celebrations like Children’s Day.
“This year, we decided to change the narrative by bringing together children with and without disabilities to play together in the spirit of inclusion.”
Epelle urged stakeholders to continue promoting and protecting the rights of all children to build a more inclusive society.
Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, Executive Director of Legend Golden Care Foundation, echoed the need for full inclusion of children with disabilities in all aspects of society.
“History is filled with people who were once written off due to disabilities but went on to achieve great things.
“We want these children to know that disability should never be a limiting factor.”
Samuel Onoja, a 13-year-old with albinism, who took part in the match, shared his excitement about participating in the event.
He called for an end to discrimination against children with disabilities and urged the government to provide more support and empowerment.
NAN reports that the celebration featured a friendly football match played by children with disabilities, showcasing their talents and the power of inclusive recreation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru
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