In a bid to promote understanding and inclusion for individuals living with cerebral palsy, Trinity University, Lagos in collaboration with Magnificent Therapy Services and Yaba Local Council Development Area held an awareness campaign aimed at inspiring hope, empowering families and educating the public on importance of community support for these set of people.
The event with the theme: ‘Getting Involved’ was held at the Trinity University campus in Lagos on Thursday with a walk to create awareness as well as an enlightenment on the role of the society.
The Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University, Professor Clement Kolawole in his remarks commends everyone involved for their efforts towards creating awareness on such an important cause, acknowledging individuals living with Cerebral Palsy’s strength, resilience, and determination.
“Your presence here today is a testament to your courage and your refusal to let your abilities be defined by your disability. You are valued members of our community, and we celebrate your contributions.
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“I would also like to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to the parents, families, and care givers of individuals with cerebral palsy. Your love, support, and dedication are the bedrock upon which these individuals build their lives. Your tireless efforts to provide care, advocacy, and nurturing are truly remarkable, and we salute you for your selflessness and commitment,” he said.
Professor Kolawole commended the organizers of the event for their vision and leadership. “Your efforts have brought together a diverse group of individuals and organizations, all united in the pursuit of a common goal. We are grateful for your tireless efforts and commitment to this cause.
The Vice Chancellor further urged the society to support individuals living with cerebral palsy in every way possible adding that it is important the society create an environment that is inclusive, accessible, and supportive. “Let us recognize and celebrate the abilities and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
“I would like to take this opportunity to call on the government, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to do more to support individuals living with cerebral palsy. We need more resources, facilities, and programmes to support their development and inclusion in society.
“We need to create opportunities for them to access education, employment, and healthcare,” he advised.
He urged the media to play a more active role in sensitizing the society to the needs and aspirations of individuals living with cerebral palsy. “Through your reporting, you can help to raise awareness, promote understanding, and challenge stereotypes and stigma. We need your help to tell the stories of these individuals, to highlight their achievements, and to advocate for their rights.”
Also speaking at the event, Programmes Coordinator, Magnificent Therapy Services, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Aina, said the organisation works and cares for children with special needs and other neurological challenges.
She said: “Today, the awareness we are doing is for Children with cerebral palsy and we organise this because these children don’t get enough love, there’s something we call isolation. “People isolate themselves with them and cerebral palsy is not a curse; because you are disabled doesn’t mean you don’t have the ability to do one or two things. There is ability in our disabilities.
“The reason for this campaign is to encourage the society, the community to show them love, care and also understand their personal needs.
“We are pleased to inform the society that disability is not a disease. It is not a curse, it is not a contagious disease and it is not a communicable disease. Once you have it, it is not curable actually, but it can be managed.
“There are some of them that go to school, some of them learn one or two skills, they also have potentials and in the area of their potentials, they do well, they do very well once you are able to discover their potential. So we want to urge parents, students, to please always show them love.”
She however called on the Lagos State Government to help the center in the area of facilities and mobility for the children; because the children need to have access to life, access to mobility, access to see what is going on in their society as well.
The Director, Social Development Integration, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mr. Kilani Akeem also commended Magnificent Therapy Services and Trinity University for the excellent work by creating awareness concerning Cerebral Palsy.
He said living with this condition does not mean the end to life. “I want to urge parents, to continue to take care of them and you will be surprise with what they can achieve because most times they have some potentials if well harnessed will help them in life.
He further added that Lagos State have been doing their part in fulfilling their basic responsibilities towards NGOs.
Also speaking at the event, the Commandant NSCDC, Lagos State Command Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, represented by Assistant Commandant Adeniyan Oluwasola, the Unit Head, Persons With Disabilities (PWD), NSCDC Lagos State Command said the walk for awareness is a symbol of courage; courage for those who live with cerebral palsy every day, courage for families who never give up, and courage for communities like ours that choose to get involved and make a difference.
“So as we take these steps together, let’s remember, every stride is a statement, every mile a message: that together, we can create a world where every ability is seen, every voice is heard, and every person belongs.”.
He added that awareness alone is not enough because awareness only opens the eyes but involvement opens the heart. “Getting involved means saying, “I see you. I believe in you. And I will walk beside you. It means showing up; not just today, but every day, to ensure that inclusion isn’t an act of kindness; it’s a way of living. Each of us has something to give, our time, our voice, our skills, our compassion.
“You don’t have to change the whole world to make a difference; You just have to change one world, one person’s world; volunteer in a school. Sponsor an adaptive sports programme. Learn the power of patience. Celebrate ability before you see disability; because when you get involved, you become part of a chain reaction of hope, one that can’t be stopped,” he stated.
He urged everyone present to ensure they get involved, make a difference and never stop working towards a world where everyone; every single one belongs.
In support of the children with disabilities, the Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University, supported Magnificent Therapy Services with some cash as a form of modest support and appreciation for the work they are doing.
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