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BY YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE
A man living with disability, Bamikunle Rasaq, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Baba 70 foundation, in line with his vision of fighting for equality and better opportunities for women, children and people living with disabilities and special needs in the society, launched a series of programmes to cater to the needs of the less privileged especially people living with disabilities.
As part of his projects, he taught children living with disabilities to see themselves as people that can achieve what they desire and not to see themselves as being different from others or second hand citizens by taking them along to give to others.
He took them to give cash gifts to patients on admission in the hospital, to aged people onnthe street and also to other physically challenged people that have no opportunity to access education on his behalf to give them a sense of belonging
Also, he took them to Iseyin Police station to give gifts to inmates to show them that despite not having disabilities, some people have lost the freedom that they take for granted.
At the police station, the children were taught by officers the need to avoid being involved in any criminal acts as the law does not exempt people with disabilities.
Speaking during a visit to the Faith Foundation Hospital in Iseyin, last week, the Baba 70 Foundation head said he was delighted to be among “these incredible students at this unique and special school.
“My visit to Faith Foundation Hospital Iseyin with these wonderful students with special needs is not just an ordinary visit, but a symbolic representation of the essence of our collective humanity. As we all know, a hospital is a place where people go to seek relief from various health challenges, and this visit is particularly important because it represents our love, concern and empathy for the patients who are currently on admission here.
“I must appreciate the owner of Faith Foundation Hospital, a kind-hearted individual who has in the past shown me what it means to be selfless; to love even when there is nothing to gain. Your selfless service to humanity is an inspiration to us all, and I want to thank you for providing a space that is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our people.
“But beyond that, I want to emphasize the need for us to continue to show love and support for people who are in need. This visit is a reminder that we all have a role to play in building a more caring and compassionate society, where the vulnerable and disadvantaged are not left behind.
“It is particularly heartwarming to see these amazing students with special needs take out time to visit and encourage the patients. This is a clear indication that disability is not inability, and that with the right support and encouragement, everyone can achieve their dreams.
“So I want to use this opportunity to call on all of us to extend love and care to those who are in need, regardless of their condition or status. Let us all be each other’s keeper, and together, we can build a society that is inclusive and caring,” he said.
He also appreciated Honourable Raheem Ajibola (FM), the proprietor of the school for children with special needs, emphasising that “Honourable Ajibola Raheem is a politician with a difference. His love and passion for people with special needs is truly commendable. In a world where many young men are focused on high yielding ventures like running hotels, petrol stations, and supermarkets, Honourable Ajibola Raheem has committed his hard-earned income to run a school for the special needs.
“Despite the government’s failure to establish special schools for those with disabilities, Honourable Ajibola Raheem has filled this gap by establishing this school. His vision, thoughtfulness, and philanthropy are worthy of praise,” he said.
He particularly expressed appreciation to the young students living with special needs, lauding their desire to learn and grow in spite of the situation they have found themselves, adding that, “your enthusiasm and energy are a source of inspiration to us all. As you embark on your academic journey, I encourage you to work hard and dream big. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
While appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to the inclusion of people with special needs in his government and demonstrating a remarkable commitment to ensuring that people with special needs are not left behind in the scheme of things, he asked that “we all continue to strive for a better tomorrow, where everyone is valued and included in a world that is sometimes hostile and unforgiving to those with special needs.”
He appealed to the government at all levels, to enforce laws that will give graduates with physical disabilities automatic appointments because it is unfair to return to street to beg after graduation.
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