*Decries weak policy enforcement

By Henry Ojelu

The Punuka Foundation has stepped up its advocacy for the inclusion of neurodiverse children, calling on government, corporate organisations and the public to take deliberate action to improve their welfare and help them realise their full potential.

The call was made during the foundation’s flagship Annual Walk for “super special children,” where stakeholders underscored the urgent need to address systemic gaps in awareness, funding and policy implementation affecting children with developmental differences.

Executive Director and Trustee of the foundation, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, who is also the Managing Partner at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, said the initiative was designed to confront societal denial and promote acceptance.

“The walk is to bring awareness to the public that these children are real. They exist. They live with us. We don’t need to pretend otherwise. What they need is support to maximise their potential,” she said.

She drew attention to the heavy financial burden borne by families, noting that therapies required for neurodiverse children—including behavioural, speech and occupational interventions—remain largely unaffordable for many Nigerians.

“Many parents cannot afford the care because it is quite costly. Supporting institutions that cater to these children will go a long way in easing that burden,” she added.

Idigbe also raised concerns over the weak enforcement of existing disability laws in Nigeria, describing it as a major impediment to meaningful inclusion.

“The laws are commendable, but implementation remains the problem. Agencies responsible for enforcement are often underfunded and lack the capacity to act effectively,” she said.

She further urged employers to embrace inclusive hiring practices, stressing that persons with disabilities are capable of contributing meaningfully to the workforce.

“They can work. Even if it is one or two persons, employ them. Inclusion must be intentional,” she said.

Drawing comparisons with developed countries, she noted that governments in such jurisdictions provide structured support systems, including funding, housing and long-term care for neurodiverse individuals—an approach she urged Nigeria to adopt.

Explaining the foundation’s intervention strategy, Idigbe said its work began with capacity building for teachers and has since expanded to include infrastructure upgrades in schools to improve accessibility for children with mobility challenges.

She added that the foundation also established the Punuka Child Care Centre, which provides therapy, education and boarding services for children with special needs.

Also speaking, a Partner at the firm, Mr. Nnamdi Oragwu, called for increased public investment in specialised facilities and trained personnel.

“There should be more schools and dedicated centres for these children. Public infrastructure must also be designed with inclusivity in mind,” he said, reiterating that Nigeria’s challenge lies not in the absence of laws but in their enforcement.

On her part, Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mrs. Angela Ezenweani, described the annual walk as a critical advocacy platform aimed at reshaping public perception.

“There has been progress from when such children were widely misunderstood, but more awareness is still needed. These children can achieve remarkable things if given the opportunity,” she said.

She emphasised the need to shift societal attitudes from pity to empowerment, noting that many neurodiverse individuals have excelled in creative industries and professional careers.

“We want people to believe in them and support them. They can attain great heights,” she added.

Meanwhile, Head of the Inclusive Special Unit at Eleko Methodist Primary School, Mr. Adeniyi Abiodun, acknowledged efforts by the Lagos State Government in advancing inclusive education.

According to him, several inclusive units have been established across public primary and secondary schools to support children with special needs.

“The goal is to integrate these children into society, help them discover their abilities and ensure they are not marginalised,” he said.