The Friends of the Deaf International Foundation has hosted its 4th Inclusive Spelling Bee competition in Ogun State, bringing together children with and without disabilities to compete in a celebration of knowledge and inclusivity.
The event, held at the Daniel Akintonde Model School for Children with Special Needs in Adigbe, Abeokuta, was organized in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology as part of the global observance of Learning Disability Week on June 16.
This marks the first edition of the initiative held in Ogun State, following three successful collaborations with the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs.
Mrs. Funmi Ogunro, Executive Director of Friends of the Deaf International Foundation, emphasized the need to end the stigmatization of children with disabilities and provide them with the necessary support to thrive.
“Children with disabilities should not be stigmatized. We need to recognise them and give them all the support they need to thrive. The Inclusive Spelling Bee was created to encourage that very mindset of advancing educational rights of children with disabilities,” Ogunro said.
Ogunro noted that the expansion to Ogun was inspired by the need to promote inclusivity in the state and encourage more government-owned and private special and inclusive schools, enabling children with disabilities to access schools near their homes.
The spelling competition showcased the impressive talents of children with various disabilities, reinforcing the belief that all children can learn when given appropriate support.
Mrs. Deborah Ogundimu, Director of Special Education, praised the initiative and commended Ogunro’s dedication and vision for advancing inclusive education.
Other dignitaries, including Chief J.B. Shodiya and Mrs Maureen Ola-Williams of Lyceum College, lauded the event and urged greater government support for children with special needs.
Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, highlighted the broader significance of the event, citing musician Davido’s appointment of visually impaired musician Cobhams Asuquo as an example of the inclusive society Nigeria should aspire to achieve.
“This shows that society is learning to embrace and celebrate unique abilities. Inclusion is not charity—it is justice,” Akinlesi said.
The event concluded with award presentations where all contestants received gold medals, educational support materials, and gift hampers to support their classroom learning.
The Inclusive Spelling Bee continues to champion the cause of inclusive education in Nigeria, empowering children with special needs to believe in their potential and take pride in their abilities.