Joy in Ogbomoso as hundreds of special children benefited from OAKONSULT Disabilities Outreach prog

Joy in Ogbomoso as hundreds of special children benefited from OAKONSULT Disabilities Outreach prog

Niyi AJALA

Hundreds of kids who have various special challenges were beneficiaries of the OAKONSULT Disabilities Outreach programme held Tuesday at Oolo town, near Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

The non-governmental organisation which targets children and young people with disabilities generally noted it’s part of their plan towards the establishment of a world-class institution specially for the care of such children at Oolo.

The NGO brought in various specialists in the field who attended to the special children. Different sections were put up including consultation boot, physiotherapy, vitals checking, speech therapy etc.

The experts made various assessments including medical and developmental; trained carers on how to manage the conditions; offered psychosocial support; and engaged in community advocacy among others.

Rev’d. Dr.Taiwo Iyanda, in an exhortation using the Book of John 9:1-3, stressed that the children are in such conditions for a purpose designed by God.

The man of God thus expressed confidence that the purpose of God for their lives would materialise. “God has a purpose for making the children the way they are and where God is taking them, they will get there. Just as Jesus said, they are in this condition not because of their sin, but all to glorify the Lord, so parents should be encouraged in any situation.”

Iyanda consequently encouraged the parents to be happy and grateful for the children they have.

Disclosing he also has a special school, with about 100 students, he emphasized God has a plan for special children, and added, “Everything happens for a reason, and all that God does is good.”

He prayed God would take care of the children and bring them joy.

Mrs. Adeola Taiwo, who brought her child whom she said could not walk expressed appreciation to OAKonsults while praying that God would bless the foundation.

Mr David and Kehinde Akinkunmi echoed the same sentiment, noting OAK is “always ready to care for the special children without taking anything in return.” They also prayed for the foundation.

Also, Mrs. Aremu Felicia Lola appreciated OAKonsults “for their mission in taking care of special kids.” This is as she informed that the foundation once took them to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, revealing they were warmly received and given money.

Mrs Akinola Rhoda, head teacher, Community Special School and proprietress God’s Will Special School) said they had been telling parents not to keep their special children at home “for God is having a purpose for them. Most parents don’t know that keeping them indoor is not the solution but thank God many now bring them out to take care of them.”

Pastor Otolorin led in a special prayer.

Mr. Adebayo Ibrahim Adewale, a leader of the physically challenged association in Ogbomoso zone, said he was happy to be at the programme and expressed gladness at the gesture of the foundation.

Noting he is a Master’s degree holder, he asserted the “disabled should never be written off or downgraded.”

Mrs. Iyun Itunuade, a team member of OAKonsults, in her closing remark assured OAKonsults would continue to care for the disabled children.

Onifedegbo of Fedegbo HRM Oba Olaosebikan Gbolagunte Taku Tanpa 1 and Oloolo of Oolo HRM Oba Oyebunmi Ajayi (represented by the Jagun, Areago and Ikolaba of Oolo) were among the dignitaries at the occasion.