Ilorin: Nigeria recently joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6. Parents of children living with the condition in Kwara State have expressed deep concern over persistent societal stigma and neglect. Speaking at an event held at the Ministry of Social Development in Ilorin, the parents told journalists that current socio-economic challenges had worsened the situation. They lamented that their children faced increasing neglect and discrimination, both in schools and within their communities.
According to Voice of Nigeria, a parent, Mrs. Afolabi Jumoke, expressed the difficulties faced by families, stating, “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.” She highlighted the financial burden due to the cost of diapers and drugs, and the reluctance of private schools to admit these children. Mrs. Olubunmi Aina added that their children also face rejection in public places like barbing salons and restaurants. She shared her personal experience of becoming a barber for her child due to the refusal of barbing salons to serve them.
The parents called for financial support from the government, requesting subsidized healthcare and public awareness initiatives to combat stigma. They emphasized the need for all-expenses-paid education for cerebral palsy children, given that many parents have had to leave their jobs to care for their children full-time.
The state government responded by encouraging respect and equal opportunities for children with cerebral palsy. Dr. Mariam NnaFatima Imam, the commissioner for social development, emphasized the importance of understanding and inclusion, stating that cerebral palsy is not a limitation but a call for shared responsibility.
Imam assured that the government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, with initiatives such as enrolling cerebral palsy patients in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme for access to quality healthcare. She also highlighted programs to equip parents with income-generating skills and financial support to foster independence.
The event’s convener, Ifeoluwa Anishe, CEO of Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, described the day as a moment of hope and unity, advocating for the political inclusion of adults with cerebral palsy. Rev. Samuel Ajayi, CEO of Toomore School for Basic, Vocational and Special Needs, praised the efforts of the state government and the convener, noting valuable insights gained to improve his charity school. Dr. Sholagbade Rasheedat from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital provided a lecture on cerebral palsy’s causes, management, and prevention.