Parents of children living with cerebral palsy in Kwara State have lamented the stigmatisation and neglect of their wards.
The parents expressed their frustration at an event marking the 2025 Cerebral Palsy Day, held at the state Ministry of Social Development in Ilorin, the state capital.
They said that the present socio-economic situation in the country has worsened the condition of their children.
One of the parents, Mrs. Jumoke Afolabi, said that, “it’s not easy carrying and taking these children out. We want the state government to take full responsibility of physiotherapy treatment of these children.
“They use diapers and drugs they take are quite expensive. Most private schools don’t take them”, she lamented.
Mrs Olubunmi Aina said the children face rejection in private schools across the state, adding that, “even where they are considered, some other parents always threaten to withdraw their children from the school. So this situation leaves the school proprietors with no choice but to later reject those living with cerebral palsy”.
She added that the victims of cerebral palsy also suffer rejection at public places like barbing salon and restaurants among many others.
The commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Imam, said that cerebral palsy victims deserve understanding, respect, and equal opportunity.
She said that the event talked, “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.
It urges us to look beyond disability and see ability; to look beyond challenges and recognise possibility”, she said.
Imam disclosed that 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.
The convener, Ifeoluwa Anishe, who is also the chief executive officer of Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, described the day as a moment of hope and unity.
He called for the inclusion of adults living with cerebral palsy in the political scheemings, adding that “they deserve inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities”.
The chief executive officer of Toomore School for Basic and Vocational and Special Needs, Revd Samuel Ajayi, commended the state government and the convener.
