THE Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to supporting to children with special needs by providing necessary platform that would help them grow and become valuable asset to the society.
Deputy governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, gave the assurance during the inauguration and handover ceremony of the newly built recreational park at Modupe Cole Child and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Yaba, recently.
According to her, it is the desire of the state government to create more enabling environment for every child in the state to become economically relevant at adulthood, notwithstanding their challenges.
Adebule, represented by the executive chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin, in a statement made available by the deputy director, Public Affairs Department, Education Ministry, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, said she was convinced that the new park donated by Mary Special Needs Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, would make the intending users to be more confident in engaging in active sporting and recreational activities and also make them see themselves part of the larger society.
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She said the essence of the handover ceremony was to motivate other organisations and well-meaning individuals to complement government’s efforts at making life better for children and other people of the state.
In her own remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Development, Mrs. Joyce Onafowokan, said there was no nobler cause than creating a meaningful future for the children, especially the under privileged among them.
She said she believed that the recreation facility would enhance teaching and learning in the home, and as well inspire other organisations to do likewise.
Speaking about the recent achievements of the children of the home, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, said two pupils of the home won gold medal in the Unified Soccer and Silver in 100 meter race competitions in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, United States of America.
“And this means that there is great ability in disability if the resources are properly harnessed and directed towards productive purposes,” Adekanye said through a representative and Director of Administration and Human Resource of the ministry, Mrs Folashade Lediju.
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