By Esther Onyegbula

Stakeholders from government, private sector and civil society converged in Lagos and across multiple locations worldwide as The IREDE Foundation hosted the 2026 edition of its flagship advocacy walk, Out On A Limb, mobilising support for disability inclusion and improved access to prosthetic care for children with limb loss.

The annual 2-kilometre awareness walk, now in its 13th year, drew participation from thousands of individuals and organisations, reinforcing its growing status as a national and global platform for advancing the rights and welfare of children living with limb loss.

Founded in 2013, the initiative has expanded significantly, with over 10,000 direct participants and an estimated reach of more than 10 million people through activations in over 50 locations globally.
Speaking at the event, Founder and Executive Director of The IREDE Foundation, Crystal Chigbu, stressed the urgency of collective action in addressing the challenges faced by children with limb loss.

She said, “Out On A Limb continues to remind us that inclusion is not optional. Every child with limb loss deserves access, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive, and this is only possible when society chooses to act collectively.”

The 2026 edition witnessed a strong government presence, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Adenike Lawal, underscoring official commitment to strengthening inclusive systems for persons with disabilities.

Lawal commended the initiative for sustaining awareness on disability inclusion and called for deeper collaboration between government and non-state actors to expand access to care and support services.
Similarly, Ogunlende lauded The IREDE Foundation’s consistent advocacy for vulnerable groups, urging stakeholders to intensify partnerships that would ensure inclusive development and equal opportunities for all children.
The Chairman of the Foundation also expressed appreciation to partners and participants for their sustained support over the years, noting that collective efforts have been instrumental in driving the organisation’s impact.

Corporate organisations including Cussons Carex, Gala, Supreme Ice Cream, and SWAN provided support for the event, while partners such as Tripoint Academy, IHS Nigeria, UPS, and F.A.B.E reaffirmed their commitment to the Foundation’s advocacy and outreach programmes.
Beyond awareness, the initiative continues to serve as a fundraising platform to support the provision of prosthetic limbs for children in need, alongside efforts to educate the public, strengthen family support systems, and advocate inclusive policies.

The Foundation noted that Out On A Limb remains anchored on three core pillars, public education on disability inclusion, provision of support systems for affected families, and mobilisation of resources to expand access to prosthetic care.

As the 2026 edition concludes, stakeholders reiterated the need for sustained collaboration to build inclusive systems that enable children with limb loss to live independent and productive lives.
The IREDE Foundation, a non-profit organisation, focuses on providing prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation and advocacy for children with limb loss, with programmes designed to restore mobility, confidence and access to opportunities across Nigeria.