The convener, ADORABLE KIDS, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Mrs Bunmi Ibiteye has called on Ekiti state Government to provide healthcare facilities, schools and enact laws against stigmatization of the adorables
Ibiteye made the call during a Christmas party organised for children with ‘special needs’ ( challenged) at Saint Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado Ekiti on 27 December, 2022.
Mrs Ibiteye urged Ekiti Government to provide facilities and schools that would help children with ‘special needs’ live fulfill life, adding that laws should be enacted against hidden and stigmatizing adorable children.
She advised parents with special children to desist from locking them indoors, saying , neglecting them would worsen their situations.
According to the convener, ” Most of our adorables are kept indoors throughout the year. Some parents see these adorable kids as burden, some attribute their birth to spiritual causes, but this is largerly ignorance. There is ability in disability”
At the party, a medical practitioner with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Komolafe Akinwumi advised parents and caregivers to patronize hospitals for safe delivery rather than orthodox places. Saying, if there are issues, medical practitioners would proffer solutions.
Dr. Komolafe said Autism is a serious developmental disorder that hampers patients to communicate and interact. Adding that Cerebral Palsy is a congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture which is caused by abnormal brain development, often occured before birth.
He further explained that the ailments could be either acquired or genetic but advised parents with such children to show them love and visit hospitals regularly for necessary medical attention.
Also a nutritionist, Mrs Yinka Adaramola enlightened parents and caregivers to give children balance diet food, watered fruits, protein with less fats, vegetables, much intake of water, foods rich in vitamins and they should reduce taking refined food.
She added that solidify oil could be harmful to the children’s growth while she recommended regular exercise and unconditional love for the ‘special’ children.
Also, Magistrate Olaoluwa who has a child with autism enjoined parents not to lock up children with special needs at home, saying rather they should allow them socialize, listen to music, dance, exercise and live their normal lives.
While a clergyman tasked parents to seek the face of God on such issues, believing that some of the cases were spiritual and should be tackled spiritually.
Highpoint of the programme was presentation of gifts to teachers and schools that treated the children with unconditional love .
The children danced,wine and dine with participants and went home with gifts.