By Esther Onyegbula

In a resounding display of communal commitment and transformative social change, the 2025 edition of The Irede Foundation’s annual “Out on a Limb” Walk drew hundreds across Lagos, spotlighting an ambitious drive to redefine inclusivity for child amputees.

The two kilometres walk, featuring child amputees, their parents, caregivers, and partners of the foundation from both government and corporate sectors, heralded a reinvigorated approach to rehabilitative aid and holistic child welfare in Nigeria and across the African continent.

At the heart of the event was Irede Foundation founder Crystal Chigbu, who outlined a comprehensive plan to provide 200 prosthetic limbs for child amputees.
“We’re still working to provide 200 prosthetic limbs to child amputees. But beyond making the walk, our commitment is to ensure that there is full access for everyone who does not have either a hand, a leg, or in whichever way they have one disability or the other,” Chigbu declared.
Her remarks underscored the foundation’s resolve not only to supply physical rehabilitation devices but also to extend education, healthcare, and anti-stigma measures for affected children and their families.

Speaking on the foundation’s enduring pledge, Chairman of The Irede Foundation, Mr. Kunle Akinkugbe, stressed the importance of sustained support over time.
“You provide a prosthetic limb for a child today, but that child is growing, and very soon they will need a new limb. Once we take on the responsibility of extending a limb to a child, we have to stay with them until adulthood,” he emphasized, encapsulating the long-term vision that drives the Irede Foundation’s initiatives.

The event also received prominent government endorsement. The Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment:
“We have vowed not to leave anyone behind. We are here to continue showcasing our support in everything that we do in Lagos State.”
Ogunlende’s address, referencing the THEMES Plus agenda—which integrates transport, health, environment, education, safety, social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment—echoed the core belief that disability is not a barrier to achievement.
“There’s ability in disability,” he asserted.

Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), further delineated the challenges faced by the government.
“Even as a government, we cannot do it alone. Prosthetic limbs, assistive devices, tools, or assistive technology are just a fraction of what we do,” she said.
She pointed to the need for ongoing partnerships and expanded advocacy efforts, including recent initiatives targeting not only children but also older citizens who rely on assistive devices.

Stressing the importance of nurturing future potential, one of the foundation’s major partners, UPS Foundation’s Africa Manager, Mr. Bassey Anori, said:
“We should move beyond just providing… Let’s make provision for job opportunities for them as they grow up,” he added—a call to action for aligning rehabilitative efforts with long-term economic empowerment.

Key to the success of the initiative are strategic partnerships with notable corporate and governmental bodies. The Director of HR at IHS highlighted their collaboration in providing not only prosthetic limbs but also critical education and health insurance services to children in need.
Equally vocal was UPS, whose foundation’s support goes “beyond just giving limbs” by actively participating in awareness campaigns across several Nigerian states.

A recurring theme throughout the event was the necessity of holistic support. Blue Pearl Hospital was also present, offering on-site health checks for participants.