A non-governmental organisation, OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, has unveiled plans to establish the nation’s first world-class disability support centre in Oyo State.
This pioneering facility, projected to cost millions of dollars, aims to provide structured intervention for 1,000 children annually, setting a new standard for disability care and inclusion in the country.
The centre, called Oak Centre Prime, will be located on a 35-acre parcel of land gifted to them by the Oolo Community in Oyo State. At full capacity, it will offer residential care for 250 children.
Designed as a comprehensive hub, the facility will integrate essential therapies, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy, among others, ensuring a full spectrum of care under one roof.
At a press conference in Lagos, the chief responsibility officer, OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, Mrs Adefunke Adeloye, said she was motivated by the loss of her daughter.
She sees the centre as a necessity rather than a luxury. “This is not just a good-to-have; it is a must-have. We must establish a structured, world-class system that ensures children with disabilities receive the care they deserve,” she stated.
Initially, OAKonsult Disabilities sought 12.5 acres for the facility, but overwhelming local support led to a more generous allocation of 35 acres. The community’s endorsement underscores the pressing need for such an initiative. The next step is to secure funds to set up the facility. “We need partners who recognize the urgency of this vision and are willing to invest in transforming the lives of thousands of children. Nothing is too small,” Adeloye emphasised.
She urged policymakers to recognise the broader socio-economic impact of the initiative. With an estimated 1,500 staff members required to run the facility, the project is set to create employment opportunities, boost local economies, and serve as a training hub for caregivers and specialists.
