By Vivian Emoni
The Mitcheal Kehinde Oluwadarasimi (MKO) Foundation for Special Needs and Caregivers, an NGO, has urged government and stakeholders to create an inclusive environment for persons with cerebral palsy.
The NGO also warned society as well as families against hiding children with special needs due to stigma.
Dr Tinuke Temitope, the Founder of the organisation disclosed this while inaugurating the foundation and a book, on Monday in Abuja.
The book is titled, “The Light We Call Mitcheal: A Journey of Faith, Courage and Love Through Cerebral Palsy.”
Temitope, also Director, Best Centre, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), urged families and society at large to show love and acceptance to children living with cerebral palsy and other special needs.
According to her, many families hide children with special needs because of stigma, such children deserve love, dignity and equal opportunities in the society.
“Having a child with special needs is not the fault of the parents or the child, so families and our society should treat them with unconditional love.
“Society, including churches, schools, communities and other institutions must embrace and support children living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities,” she said.
The director also called on government to provide infrastructure that supports mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
She explained that she was motivated to write the book and established the foundation after the death of her 14 year-old son, Mitcheal Kehinde Oluwadarssimi, who suffered cerebral palsy.
According to her, the book shares personal experiences and practical guidance to help caregivers navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs.
She added that the book also aimed to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and advocate stronger support systems for affected children and their families.
Temitope recalled that she once considered getting a wheelchair for her son but was discouraged because many public places lacked accessible facilities.
She said creating an inclusive and accessible environment would help children with disabilities participate more actively in the society, adding that caring for such children required enormous emotional, physical and financial commitment.
She noted that parents of children with special needs often live under pressure due to medical appointments, therapy sessions and constant caregiving responsibilities, urging the public to support caregivers through encouragement, kindness and practical assistance.
Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Chairman, Best Centre of the ACCI said that the inauguration of the foundation signified love, memory and legacy.
Adesugba said that the late Temitope, who lived with cerebral palsy for 14 years, taught his family patience, resilience and unconditional love in spite life’s challenges.
He noted that the foundation symbolised the transformation of grief into purpose, pledging support for families of children with special needs and caregivers who often worked quietly and without recognition.
He added that the initiative would promote compassion, advocacy and hope for families facing similar experiences, ensuring that Mitcheal’s life continued to inspire positive impact.
Speaking, Mr Samuel Temitope, father of the late child, said the family inaugurated the foundation for Special Needs and Caregivers to support children with special needs and strengthen caregivers.
Temitope said the unveiling of the book shared the family’s journey, challenges and lessons from raising a child with special needs.
Miss Amina Akai, who reviewed the book said that limited public knowledge about special needs conditions remained a major challenge in Nigeria.
Akai said that the book reflects emotion, patience, and love, and called for greater awareness to support children with special needs.
Mrs Nifemi Ajilele, Director, JKS, Special Needs Academy and Orphanage, said that understanding, care and supportive home environments could significantly improve their wellbeing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
