As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence Anniversary, Engineer Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, the wife of Oyo State governor, has urged Nigerians to always remember and care for children with special needs in the society regardless of their present physical or health challenges.
She said Nigerians should embrace children with special needs, so as to better understand challenges facing them and able to care for them.
Speaking in Ibadan on Sunday, while playing host to children in orphanage homes across the state, the first lady stated that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is committed towards provision of inclusive society that gives equal opportunity to everyone.
According to her, “there is a great power and strength in inclusivity. As Nigerians, let us embrace each other, this will bring us closer to one another, let’s join hands together to build a nation we shall be proud of.”
She assured children with special needs that they are not alone, saying they are valued and cherished for their unique ability, strength and percevearance which according to her is a great thing to the state.
Her words: “We need to be concern about the well being and safety of each other particularly during this hardship period, let’s be our brothers keepers, let’s love, care and support ourselves to achieve the dream of our founding fathers and build a nation where peace and justice reign.
“As we celebrate Nigeria independence, let us reflect on the value that defines us as a people which are compassion and inclusivity, by embracing those values, we can jointly build a nation where no one is left behind.”
Mrs Makinde also thank the governor of the state for always putting smiles to the faces of children with special needs and priotising welfare of people of the state.
Highlight of the event include sharing of food stuff and cash gift to orphanage homes across the state.
Dignitaries at the event include wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Ajibola Lawal, Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Miss Wasilat Adegoke and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Mrs Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Women Affairs, among others
