By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

Parents of children living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have lamented stigmatisation against them by the public and called for a special school to cater to their educational needs.

Some of the parents spoke in Ilorin, at the 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day organised by Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative in collaboration with the Kwara Government.

Mrs Shukurat Afolabi, a parent, urged the state government to establish a special school for cerebral palsy champions, since they could not attend the Kwara School for Special Needs because they could not do without assistance.

She said though this may not be attainable immediately, the government should provide ‘shadow teachers’ trained to care for cerebral palsy champions in normal schools and pay for their services.

“Most private schools do not admit them because they do not have shadow teachers trained to take care of them.

“This is because normal teachers cannot attend to them and we can’t blame the schools.

“If there are shadow teachers that the government can pay to teach them twice a week, it will go a long way to help us since establishing a school for them may not be easy now.

“We also want the government to make their physiotherapy session free. Some of them still use diaper and there are some drugs they take that are very expensive.

“If government can look into that aspect for us, we will appreciate it,” she said.

Another parent, Mrs Oluwabusayo Olaoye, said the ordeal she was facing with her son, Michael Olaoye was too much because he cannot afford normal school.

“It has not been easy, I was once a banker but had to resign so as to give him attention.

“We need help because most of us left our tangible jobs to be at home to cater to them and it has not been easy.

“We need financial support as their givers and for the school supporting us, if such school can be supported too, it will go a long way in relieving us,” she said.

She urged parents with CP champions to flaunt their children with pride and passion, as keeping them indoors would affect their self esteem.

“Though the stigmatisation when walking on the road or in an event is too much as if it’s a contagious disease, I urge parents with CP warriors to see them as a personal cross which others too have but in other aspects.

“The society should accept us for who we are because there are many parents with CP children but they hide them due to the stigmatisation.

“The way people see and treat us make other parents feel bad,” she said.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Imam, enjoined all to accord children battling deformities arising from cerebral palsy respect and equal opportunities.

Imam noted that cerebral palsy victims deserve understanding, respect, and equal opportunity.

“This day reminds all not only of the challenges faced by our champions, but also of their strength, resilience, and extraordinary potential.

“Cerebral palsy is not a limitation of the human spirit, it is a call for understanding, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

“We are to look beyond disability and see ability; beyond challenges and recognise possibility,” she said.

She added that the government had ensured that no one was left behind as  every child, regardless of physical or developmental differences, deserve the chance to live with dignity, learn, play, and dream freely.

According to her, the ministry has enrolled some people living with cerebral palsy in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme to ensure they have access to quality healthcare.

“We have also equipped parents and guardians with refined, income-generating skills in tie and dye, resin artistry, and POS enterprise management.

“This is further complemented by financial support designed to help them transform these skills into sustainable, independent and thriving ventures.”

Earlier, Ifeoluwa Anishe, Convener and Chief Executive Officer, Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, described the day as that of hope and unity.

Anishe called for the inclusion of adults living with cerebral palsy in the political scheme, adding that they deserve inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities.

Similarly, the CEO of To’omore School for Basic, Vocational and Special Needs, Rev. Samuel Ajayi, commended the state government and the convener for putting the event together.

Dr Rasheedat Sholagbade from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), delivered a lecture on the reasons for cerebral palsy, its management and prevention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker