The Oyo State government has said that no child will be denied his/her basic rights under the provisions of the law, no matter the age, gender, mental or psychological health.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs) Toyin Balogun, stated this at the Center For Early Development, Learning And Care, CEDLAC, at Lawunmi Close, Ashi – Bodija Ibadan.
She noted that children are the future of the society and backbone of any progressive society.
Hon. Balogun stressed that children with special needs should not be seen as burdens, rather they should be encouraged and put into learning centers that understand their needs, instead of regular school to guard against frustration.
She stated further that the state government will soon embark on a project that will showcase the effectiveness of social welfare interventions and rehabilitation of children with special needs.
The commissioner express the readiness of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to work with relevant agencies and other interested non-governmental organizations for the wellbeing of all categories of children in the state.
The Director of CEDLAC, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi, explained that when a child is diagnosed with special needs or disability, it often represents a serious personal trauma for parents and such parents generally feel isolated, shocked and sometimes angry or abandoned by spouses and family members.
Dr. Adeniyi stated that her center was established to help these categories of parents cope with the challenges attached to the proper care of children with special needs or disability.
She, therefore, encouraged parents with special needs-children such as autism, intellectual disability, down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, to seek help at centers that cater for such children to guide against frustration by the challenges they are facing.
