Annual Symposium Highlights Commitment to Empower Children with Disabilities
On a night dedicated to igniting hope, the Nima Memorial Care Foundation hosted its 2026 Annual Symposium and Grand Ball at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos. The event centered around the crucial conversation on disability in Nigeria.
Empowering Children: A Call to Action
With the theme “Empowering Every Child: Breaking Down Barriers for Children with Disabilities,” co-founder Zainab Abdulmalik Muhamed delivered a powerful message, urging Nigeria’s leaders, educators, and policymakers to move beyond mere expressions of sympathy. She emphasized the need for a framework that fosters tangible opportunities for children with disabilities.
Advocating for Change in Society
The event was not only a celebration of heritage but also a platform to advocate for a society where children’s potential is not stifled by their circumstances. Addressing an esteemed audience of community leaders and health professionals, Muhammad noted that the greatest obstacles confronting children with disabilities often stem from societal prejudice, neglect, and systemic misunderstanding rather than physical limitations.
The Ripple Effect of Empowerment
Alongside her team, Muhammad highlighted that empowering even a single child with a disability can have far-reaching effects. “When one child is uplifted, entire families gain strength and communities are fortified. This work is integral to building a just and compassionate society,” she remarked.
Advocacy for Dignity and Inclusion
Empowerment, according to Muhammad, includes ensuring access to quality education and nurturing environments free from discrimination. She stressed that every child deserves dignity and fair opportunities, aligning the foundation’s mission with this vision.
Unity in Advocacy
She called upon policymakers, educators, health professionals, and community advocates to join forces in this essential endeavor. “We have the capacity to create schools that welcome all children and communities that embrace every family,” she asserted, reinforcing the need for collaborative effort in shaping policies that uphold the rights and dignity of children with disabilities.
Government Support: A Step Toward Inclusivity
Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr. Sonubi Omolade, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Disability Affairs Bureau, commended the Nima Memorial Foundation for its unwavering dedication. He underscored that all children in Lagos have the right to thrive, regardless of their physical or developmental challenges.
Building a Supportive Community
Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined the state’s commitment to inclusivity through various initiatives, such as the Lagos State Disability Affairs Agency (LASODA). “Our approach resonates with a standard of justice and equity,” he explained. He elaborated on the agency’s endeavors to recognize the dignity and potential of individuals with disabilities, aiming to create a society where accessibility is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Community Engagement and Support Programs
Lagos State is actively launching early detection and intervention programs, an essential component in addressing the immediate needs of children and families. The governor emphasized the significance of establishing an inclusive education plan, highlighting that over 50 inclusive schools now operate in the state, ensuring that children with disabilities learn in supportive environments tailored to their needs.
Expanding Accessibility and Resources
The state’s initiatives also focus on enhancing access to care and distributing mobility aids and educational tools through targeted medical assistance programs. “In our latest intervention, we provided 100 assistive devices to improve the mobility and independence of children,” the governor stated, affirming the government’s commitment to dismantling barriers that families face daily.
