The Kwara State government yesterday charged the parents of children suffering from cerebral palsy to take good care of them to improve their quality of life.
Dr Mariam Imam, the commissioner for Social Development, gave the charge at a training programme organised to commemorate the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
The Kwara State government organised the programme, which was held in Ilorin, the state capital, in collaboration with the Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative.
The Imam advised parents of children with cerebral palsy to invest in their education to secure a noble and promising future for them.
The commissioner, who was represented by the director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mrs Taiwo Toyin, urged parents not to underrate children with disabilities but to focus on their abilities and potential, as well as positive stories from people who have faced similar challenges, to promote inclusiveness and build their confidence.
Imam said that the training was intended to address the needs of people with cerebral palsy, empower them to navigate through life challenges, overcome societal hurdles, and break barriers to living independent lives.
“Our gathering here today aims not only to raise awareness but also to foster understanding and acceptance. We are here to educate, empower and inspire action towards a more inclusive society for all individuals, especially those living with health challenges like cerebral palsy,” she stated.
She called on members of the society not to discriminate against persons with cerebral palsy but to offer them meaningful support to help them manage tasks and overcome challenges they might encounter.
The participants were trained in resin arts, textile tie-dyeing techniques, and point of sale (POS) operations.
