The Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, led a two-day outreach programme from Tuesday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025, aimed at supporting children and young people living with special needs across various parts of Ibadan.
The initiative involved visits to several care centres and foundations, where representatives of the First Lady distributed food items, cash gifts, clothing, toiletries, and other essential supplies.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Fausat Sanni, explained that the programme was born out of the governor’s wife’s desire to include children with special needs, often forgotten in mainstream celebrations in the post-Ileya festivities.
“Her Excellency felt deeply moved to remember children with special needs during this festive period. It was her heartfelt wish to extend gifts, love, and encouragement to them,” she said.
She also urged the beneficiary centres to make judicious use of the materials and financial support received to improve the welfare of the children under their care.
Also representing the First Lady during the outreach was Hon. (Dr.) Olufunke Comforter Olajide, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North I Constituency. She commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of sustaining such gestures through the support of well-meaning individuals and organizations.
“This is more than just charity; it’s a statement of inclusion,” she said.
“We must work together to build a society that doesn’t forget its most vulnerable.”
One of the beneficiaries, Evangelist Mrs. Agbedare, founder of the Agbedare Jesus Care Foundation, expressed her appreciation, describing the visit as a source of hope and encouragement for the children.
“We are thankful for this act of love. It shows that the children are not forgotten,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Mustapha Olalekan, Principal of the Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled in Moniya, lauded the effort of the First Lady, especially at a time when the country is battling economic challenges. He noted that such acts of generosity go a long way in boosting morale and reinforcing the care provided to children with special needs.
On the second day of the outreach, the delegation extended its visits to institutions working with children in reformative and transitional care settings, including the Network for Inclusion of People with Special Needs, Treasure Delight Care Service, and the Juvenile Correctional Institution in Sango, Ibadan. Hon. Bisi Oluranti Michael, who represents Ogbomoso North Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, led the team and described the visits as an “eye-opener.”
She expressed appreciation to the First Lady for thinking of such vulnerable children and stressed the importance of continuity.
“This outreach sends a strong message: no one in Oyo State should be left behind. We appreciate the wife of our Governor for spearheading this initiative. We must all continue to support policies and programmes that prioritise inclusion and social protection,” she said.
At the Juvenile Correctional Institution, the delegation was received by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, who was represented by Dr. Mofoluwake Ibitoye, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry. Dr. Ibitoye highlighted the significance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting the rights of children with special needs and transforming how society treats vulnerable and at-risk youth.
Speaking on behalf of the children at the institution, Raji Gbolahan said,
“We appreciate being remembered. It means a lot to us. Thank you to our mother, the wife of the governor, for remembering us.”
Also present was Toba Oparemi, the owner of Treasure Delight Care Service, who praised the initiative and pledged continued partnership with the state to advance inclusion.
