The Irede Foundation’s annual advocacy walk in Lagos united corporate partners, government officials, and community supporters in a vibrant 2-kilometer march to champion inclusive support for child amputees.
The walk is not only to raise awareness about limb loss, inclusion, and disability rights but also fund prosthetic limbs for more child amputees, promote inclusive education, and increase top-of-mind awareness about support systems for children with disabilities.
In previous editions, the family-friendly walk has been attended by notable figures, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alibaba, Adenike Oyetunde, Kate Henshaw, YAW Naija, Rosemary Ajuka, Segun Dangote, Late Tosin Bucknor, and many more. This year, the event hosted top media personalities, influential advocates, and government stakeholders.
According to the Executive Director of The IREDE Foundation, Mrs. Crystal Chigbu, The foundation aims to reach 60,000 people globally to raise 40 million naira and engage 10,000 participants in Nigeria.
“TIF was born from my personal experience. My daughter was born without bones in her legs, and we had to make the difficult decision to amputate. As I walked that journey, I met many children like her. I knew then that I had to do something to end stigmatization, advocate for inclusion, and prove that children with disabilities can live full lives.
“But we can’t do it alone—we need the media, advocates, and communities to help spread the word, especially as April marks Limb Loss Awareness Month,” she said.
Mr. Kunle Akinkugbe, Chairman of the Foundation, commended the unwavering corporate and public engagement for the event while highlighting the importance of sustained support and long-term nature of limb care for children.
“A child is growing, and very soon they will need a new limb. Once we take on the responsibility of extending a limb, we stay with them until adulthood,” he explained.
His words underscored the Foundation’s dedication to providing ongoing prosthetic care, addressing the unique needs of growing children.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogulende, reaffirmed the state’s commitment under the THEMES Plus agenda. “We have vowed not to leave anyone behind,” he said. “There’s ability in disability, and as a government, we take this seriously.”
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to expand the reach of the foundation’s work.
Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, called for continuous partnerships to alleviate the burden on families.
She underscored the financial challenges of providing prosthetic limbs, which often need replacement twice a year for growing children
Oyetunde also highlighted a new initiative targeting older persons with disabilities—an often overlooked demographic. “For the first time,” she explained, “we were able to focus on persons above 60 who themselves use assistive devices. We are continuing that this year.”
Mr. Basi Anari, UPS Foundation’s Africa Manager, urged all corporate partners to go beyond donation but ensure the children are employed in the Labour market.
“We are not involved in money or package delivery here. We want to make an impact. Not for the big people, but for those living under trauma.
“Let us make provision for them to have good jobs. Let them wake up in the morning, dress up, and go to the office. Let them live like you,” he said.
The event also celebrated the journeys of five “champions” sponsored by the foundation . These included Adjoke Odukoya, studying prosthetics at the Federal College of Orthopedic Technology, and Precious Olaito, now in her third year at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Another, Rachel Oye Bamiji, is studying Fine Arts, while Rachel (second name undisclosed) is pursuing Psychology. Michael Alagba, currently in JSS2, embodies youthful determination that left many attendees inspired.
Beyond educational support, IHS is also launching a paid internship program for the children. “We’re particularly keen to provide mentorship opportunities,” shared the IHS representative. “We are pairing these young champions with caretakers and mentors to guide them through their academic and personal development journeys.”