By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Non Government Organizations, have called on government at all levels, and the society at large of the need to ensure full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, which provide support for the physically challenged children and families.

Rev Fr, Oluwafemi Orilua, Congregatio Sancti Des Spirit, CSSp, Founder, Spiritans Sound Outreach and

Princess Lucy Adetuwo-Olaniyi, Founder Luciano Global Development Initiative, both NGOs, made the call on the ocassion of the maiden “Night to Shine,” organized by the Spiritans Sound Outreach, held at Ekoro Road, Abule- Egba, Lagos at the weekend.

The event was themed: “Image Bearers of our creator.”

The “Night to Shine” was designed to celebrate children with special needs sponsored by Tim Tebow foundation, Georgia, USA, held in 800 churches across the world, including Nigeria.

Some of dignitaries on the ocassion were: Most Rev Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos, Rev Fr Thadeus Okafor, The Parish Priest of SS Joachima and Anne, Meiran, Oba Samuel Oroja, Meiran, Chief Imam, Meiran Central Mosque, Meiran United CDA Chairman, Alhaji Subair, Chief Isaac Oludayo Oroja, Olorin Odo of Meiran.

Others were: Very Rev Fr Austin Nwodo CSSp, The Superior, Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria Southwest. Rev Fr Modestus Uzoekwe CSSp, The Parish Priest of St Joseph Catholic Church, Ketu Ijanikin.

The beneficiaries were drawn from: Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, Abule Egba, Lagos magnificent Therapy Services, Yaba Lagos, Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere, Lagos. St Mary Rehabilitation Centre, Ipetumodu, Osun State, Ozanam Centre, Sango Otta, Ogun State.

The people with special needs were accompanied with their caregivers and some of their parents.

Disabilities can be congenital or acquired, and children’s disabilities can be described as prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal.

The causes of pediatric disabilities may include diseases, external influences, genetic mutations, premature birth, illnesses, and serious infections.

Obviously, children with disabilities in Nigeria face various challenges, including stigma, discriminations, and barriers to accessing basic social services and economic opportunities.

Their parents also face emotional and financial stress, lack of support, discrimination, and loss of social life.

According to Orilua: “At Spiritans Sound Outreach, we are deeply honoured to host this event and to share in the mission of celebrating people with special needs, whom I prefer to call equally gifted individuals. We are specifically on the mission to discover, develop and promote talents in the young.

“This is about recognising that every person, regardless of ability, is a unique masterpiece created by God, full of potential, purpose, and value.

“To our honoured guests, you are the stars of this day! You inspire us with your courage, your joy, and your unwavering spirit. Today, we crown you as kings and queens because that is exactly who you are — royalty in God’s kingdom, loved unconditionally and infinitely.

“In Nigeria, this event marks a turning point in how we view and embrace individuals with special needs.

“It is a call to action for all of us to create a society that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and offers equal opportunities for everyone to shine.

“These amazing individuals are not defined by their challenges but by their unique gifts, talents, and contributions to our world.

‘To the families, caregivers, and advocates, thank you for your love and dedication. Your support is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of selfless care.

“As we enjoy this day of music, dancing, and celebration, let us also reflect on our collective responsibility to make the world a more inclusive and compassionate place.

“To our sponsor, supporters, volunteers, and everyone who made this event possible, thank you for your generosity and hard work. Your contributions have made this dream a reality, and your efforts will leave a lasting impact.

“Finally, to our kings and queens, this day is for you. May you feel the love, joy, and celebration surrounding you. You are loved, you are valued, and you are the reason we are here.

“May God bless you all abundantly, and may this day be a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us.”

He commended the Tim Tebow Foundation in Georgia, USA, for their vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the incredible global movement.

“Your dedication to spreading love and hope across the world is a shining example of what it means to serve humanity,” Orilua stated.

Speaking, Adetuwo-Olaniyi, stressed: “As a collaborator, this occasion affords me an opportunity to briefly highlight the state of the physically challenged in Nigeria.

“The situation is quite challenging. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 25 million Nigerians have at least one disability with Health, 3.6 million people having significant difficulties in functioning. The numbers include children.

“With the ratification of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, we urge the government to do more to ensure the implementation of the act, provide support for the physically challenged children and families.

She said, at LGDI, a NGO and her pet project provides support for the less-privileged children in the society, “Our mission and goals are in tandem with this special event.”

“This event is evident of the determination to shape the lives of these naturally affected children for a better future.

“Significantly, there is need for the government, private sector, and individual donors to collaborate with the outreach to harness the talents of people with disabilities to give their lives a meaning.

“Aside from giving these kings and queens a special treat, today, we are showcasing to the whole world that there is ability in disability. These honoured guests are image bearers of God our creator.

“They may be physically challenged, but they are gifts. Their performances will give us confidence that they can rule the world and show that there is ability in disability.

“Sadly, in our society, people with physical challenges suffer discrimination and are sometimes seen as subhumans. No! We need to change such attitude and embrace them with love and care.

“They embody talents needed to be tapped into to make the world great again.

“I hope, this awesome programme will endure, so that more talents will be discovered by the outreach to bring children of this nature to the national limelight.

“With all hands on deck, we can make it happen. With profound gratitude, I commend Rev. Orilua for considering me worthy to be a part of this wonderful gathering

“I must say that his love for humanity and creativity is reason for the establishment of outreach. His approach to life depicts simplicity and love. And his passion for human capacity development elicits hope for the teeming young generation.

“I also appreciate Tim Tebow Foundation, Georgia, USA, which is the major and global sponsors of this event.”