Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, Arise for Girls, and BO For Inclusive Media (BOFIM) have reaffirmed their commitment to disability inclusion, dignity, and equal rights following an advocacy visit to God’s Fabulous Home for Special Needs in Mowe, Ogun State.
The visit which took place over the weekend provided an opportunity to engage with children and young people living with disabilities, caregivers, and the management of the home while promoting conversations around inclusion, dignity, protection, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Director of Rhoda Serene Care Foundation and Arise for Girls, Rhoda Olorunfemi, restated the foundations’ commitment to advocating for a society where every child and young person, regardless of disability, is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
She noted that disability should never be a barrier to accessing quality education, healthcare, protection, participation, and opportunities for personal growth. According to her, children and young people living with disabilities possess unique talents and abilities that should be nurtured rather than overlooked.
“Our advocacy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, protected, and included. Disability is not an inability, and together we must build communities where every individual has equal opportunities to thrive,” she said.
Founder of BO Foundation for Inclusive Media, Blessing Oladunjoye, said every voice matters. Every person deserves to be seen, heard, respected, and represented fairly, regardless of disability, gender, or background.
She noted that many persons with disabilities remain excluded from conversations that affect their lives, with their stories often overlooked, misunderstood, or reduced to stereotypes instead of being viewed through the lens of dignity, ability, and human rights.
“Today is more than just a visit—it is a reminder that inclusion begins with recognising the humanity, potential, and rights of every individual. Children and young people living with disabilities should never be defined by their disabilities but by their dreams, talents, and aspirations.”
“We also highlight the heightened risks faced by children, girls, and young women living with disabilities, who are often more vulnerable to discrimination, neglect, abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence. It stressed the importance of strengthening safeguarding measures and creating safe, accessible, and inclusive environments for them.”
Olorunfemi called on governments at all levels to fully implement disability-inclusive policies, strengthen social protection systems, improve access to inclusive education and healthcare, provide accessible infrastructure, and ensure that the rights guaranteed under Nigerian law are fully realised for persons with disabilities.
“We urge the Nigerian government agencies, policymakers, private organisations, development partners, and community leaders to invest in programmes that empower persons with disabilities and eliminate stigma and discrimination,” Olorunfemi said.
She encouraged parents, caregivers, educators, faith-based organisations, and community members to continue showing love, patience, acceptance, and support while working collectively to protect children and young people living with disabilities from all forms of abuse and exclusion.
The management of God’s Fabulous Home for Special Needs was commended for its unwavering dedication to providing care, support, and opportunities for children with special needs. The Foundations’ acknowledged the vital role such institutions play in promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Olorunfemi commended BO Foundation for Inclusive Media and its Founder, Blessing Oladunjoye, for championing disability-inclusive media advocacy and creating platforms that elevate the voices of persons with disabilities. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote accessibility, dignity, respect, equal opportunities, and the protection of the rights of children and young people living with disabilities.
The groups reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote accessibility, dignity, respect, equal opportunities, and the protection of the rights of children and young people living with disabilities.
The visit ended with renewed hope and a shared commitment to building an inclusive society where no one is left behind, and where every child and young person is empowered to realise their full potential.
