By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), MotherCharity Africa Support Foundation has called on governments and philanthropists to identify with persons living with disabilities in the pursuit of their academic careers.
Mrs Ndidiamaka Elochukwu-Ihejirika, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun.
She said that there were many physically challenged persons, who were determined to pursue their academic career, but with no means of support.
Elochukwu-Ihejirika, who was in Abeokuta to felicitate with two physically challenged siblings, Christiana Obadina, 28, and Olajumoke Obadina, 21, said they needed support to further their studies.
She said one other of their sibling, Shola, who is also physically challenged, recently secured admission to Anchor University.
“We are here all the way from Lagos to celebrate with them, show them love by presenting our little gifts and to let them know that we care and that is the spirit.
“We are soliciting for assistance from Nigerians and the government to assist these three Obadina daughters, who are physically challenged but ambitious.
“They told us that they really want to acquire university degrees, Christiana said she wished to study Computer Science, while Olajumoke said Business Administration, and Shola recently got admitted to Anchor University.
“This is a passionate appeal, a call to selfless service and humanity that we all need to do more to support them by way of sponsorships to enable them achieve their dream and academic career.
“Most times, it is not all about the money but the sincere love and sense of belonging you give to them goes a long way,” Elochukwu-Ihejirika said.
In her response, Mrs Obadina, a petty trader, said she remained grateful to God for sparing the lives of her children in spite of their challenges.
She thanked the foundation for their show of love, while appealing to the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to support her children.
“The truth is that we are going through a lot to take care of our daughters living with disabilities. For example, I do back Christiana and this has been a very serious challenge.
“You can imagine grown up children of ages 21 years and 28 years still needing help to survive.
“It is not palatable, but I thank God that we are part of their lives as well as some other people God has been using to put smiles on their faces occasionally.
“In spite of their conditions, they are still hopeful and eager to study and this is where we really need assistance in the area of funding, medicals and university environment that can accommodate them,” she said.
Also, the father, Mr Obadina, 67, said he was hopeful that God will use great people to assist his children.
Olajumoke, one of the celebrators, appealed to the state government to assist her and her sisters in their pursuit of education.
The foundation presented cakes, drinks, cartons of noodles and cash gift to support the family.