The management of Child Care Trust, the Abuja-based special needs school founded by the late First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, has raised serious concerns over the increasing discrimination, dehumanisation, and abandonment faced by children with disabilities across Nigeria. The alarm was sounded during an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of Stella Obasanjo’s passing, attended by family members, former First Ladies and friends of the late matriarch.
According to the school, years of research and community engagement reveal that many families still hide their children with disabilities due to stigma, denying them exposure, care, and opportunities to showcase their talents. Programme Coordinator, Lucy Dickson, speaking to journalists at the school premises in Bwari, said Child Care Trust is undergoing major reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, empowering abilities, and expanding opportunities for its students.
She explained that the week-long anniversary programme featured an essay competition, an awareness walk across Abuja, exhibitions, and interactive sessions—all designed to raise public consciousness about the rights, talents, and potentials of children with disabilities. Dickson stressed that although the school faced challenges after the death of its founder, the management is committed to reviving Stella Obasanjo’s vision of hope and inclusion.
Director of the school, Mrs. Harmony Ibeh, lamented that many children are still locked indoors, stigmatized, and denied basic rights by those closest to them. She said society remains largely unaware of the abilities within disability, noting that many parents abandon their children due to cultural beliefs, ignorance, or shame. Ibeh appealed for societal acceptance and urged individuals, organisations, and international partners to support the school in providing care, education, and rehabilitation.
Former Edo First Lady, Eki Igbinedion, commended the school for sustaining its founding ideals and pledged continued support. Coordinating Board Member, Ambassador Jonathan Oluwole, also assured stakeholders of ongoing reforms and a brighter future for the children, reaffirming the commitment of the Obasanjo family to the institution’s revival.
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