LAGOS/Nigeria: The rising cost of providing food, essential medication and specialised care for persons with disabilities has prompted the Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home for Special Needs to seek urgent financial and material assistance from government institutions, corporate organisations and philanthropists.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos-based organisation, Mrs Elsie Akerele, made the appeal during a press conference to announce activities for the home’s 2026 Awareness Month, explaining that the financial demands of maintaining the facility had become increasingly difficult to meet.
Akerele said the home currently accommodates 41 children and adults living with conditions including Down Syndrome, Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy, many of whom require continuous medical attention, prescribed medication and specialised support.
She identified the provision of daily meals, regular medication and payment of workers’ salaries as the three major financial pressures confronting the organisation.
According to her, ensuring uninterrupted access to prescribed drugs has remained a particular challenge because of the continuing medical needs of the residents.
She said the responsibility of maintaining the home also extended to meeting the welfare obligations of its 27 staff members and coordinating the work of 13 dedicated volunteers who assist in caring for the residents.
Akerele described the responsibility of running the facility as fulfilling but financially demanding, noting that sustaining the standard of care required consistent assistance from individuals and organisations.
She identified food and nutritional supplies, medical drugs, healthcare support, staff salaries and welfare, as well as rehabilitation and therapy equipment, as priority areas requiring intervention.
The founder expressed appreciation to organisations that had continued to support the home, particularly the David Oyedepo Foundation, which provides monthly food supplies.
She also acknowledged contributions from Strong Pack Ltd., Beloxxi Industries Ltd., Guinness Nigeria Plc and Reliance Chemical Products Ltd., alongside churches, individuals and other well-wishers.
Akerele said the contributions had helped the organisation sustain its services but appealed for more partners to support its operations and improve the welfare of residents.
As part of efforts to increase public understanding of persons with special needs and encourage greater social inclusion, the organisation has lined up activities for its 2026 Awareness Month.
Akerele announced that a charity walk would hold on Saturday, November 7, around the Alaba International Market axis in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The exercise is intended to sensitise traders, residents and members of the public to the needs, rights and abilities of persons living with disabilities.
A public awareness seminar is also scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at Ola-Oki Medical Centre, along Badagry Expressway, Ibereko. The programme will focus on promoting understanding, support and inclusion for children with special needs.
The residents are expected to embark on an excursion to Crown City, along Lusada Expressway, on November 19.
The month’s activities will conclude on November 21 with a talent and cultural exhibition during which residents will have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and creative expressions.
The organisation said the awareness activities were designed not only to draw attention to the challenges confronting persons with special needs but also to encourage society to recognise their abilities and provide opportunities for their participation in community life.
Akerele called on public institutions, private organisations, religious bodies and individuals to support the home, stressing that the welfare of persons with special needs should be a shared responsibility rather than the burden of individual caregivers.
