By Etop Ekanem

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Co-Founder, Nima Memorial Care Foundation, Zainab Abdumalik Muhammed have made a case for children with disabilities, saying every child deserves to learn, grow and belong regardless of his/her physical developmental and competitive abilities.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs Sonubi Omolade, Director of Administration and Human Resources Dept, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, during the Nima Memorial Care Foundation annual symposium/grand ball dinner, at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday. said it was “an evening that will not only brings us together in reflection but a call to action on a responsibility we all share ensuring that every child, regardless of ability is given the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose and hope.

“This is no charity, it is justice, it is equity and it is the standard by which you must measure our progress as a society in Lagos State.

“We have chosen to confront this responsibility deliberately through the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, LASODA. We are spreading a system that recognises the right, dignity and potential of persons living with disabilities over the years. LASODA has grown into a critical institution registering over 100 disability associations and extending support across communities ensuring that no group visibly and not visible excluded.

“I commend Nima Memorial Care Foundation for this unwavering advocacy, compassionate and commitment to children and families, who too also must navigate systems that are not designed with them in mind.

“We are also giving inclusion at the grassroots level working with local government, community structure and traditional institutions to ensure that accessibility and opportunity are not confined to policy documents alone but are reflected in everyday life across our state, but we know that work has to be done that is why in our approach we are focused, practical and people-centred.”

Earlier in her welcome address, Co-Founder, Nima Memorial Care Foundation, Zainab Abdumalik Muhammed, said children with disabilities aren’t defined by what they can’t do, adding that they are defined by their incredible potential, their courage, their creativity, and their sheer resilience.

According to her, this year’s theme, “Empowering Every Child: Breaking Barriers for Children with Disabilities,” is both an invitation and a gentle but firm reminder of the responsibility we all share.

She said: “We’re here together to remember a truly beautiful soul, to celebrate a legacy that lives on, and to renew our commitment to a mission that keeps growing stronger: making sure every child, no matter his/her disabilities, is seen, valued and given every chance to thrive.

“Because here’s the truth: children with disabilities aren’t defined by what they can’t do.
They’re defined by their incredible potential, their courage, their creativity, and their sheer resilience.

“Yet in too many places, barriers still stand in their way — not just physical ones, but the harder ones: misunderstanding, stigma, neglect, and missed opportunities. The biggest barrier of all isn’t a child’s condition, it’s when society hesitates to make room for them to shine.

“And when we step up to empower one child with disabilities, the impact ripples outward:
We lift entire families. 
We strengthen whole communities.
 We help build the kind and just society we all want to live in.

“So what does empowerment really look like?
It means opening doors to quality education.
 It means creating spaces where every child can learn, play, grow and dream — free from discrimination.
 It means moving from pity to real opportunity, and from silence to courageous advocacy. Every child deserves dignity.
 Every child deserves inclusion.
Every child deserves a fair chance.

“The Nima Memorial Care Foundation exists to make that promise real. Day by day, we turn love into tangible action, compassion into meaningful support, and a precious memory into lasting change.

“Tonight reminds us that one life can spark so many others. 
Honouring this legacy isn’t just about looking back — it’s about carrying the journey forward with kindness, service, and hope. But we can’t do this alone
 No foundation, no movement, no mission succeeds in isolation.
 It takes all of us — working hand in hand.”