A non-governmental organization, OAK Centre Prime, has expressed concern over the difficulties Nigerian families face in accessing proper healthcare and support for children with disabilities.
Despite Nigeria signing the Disability Act in 2007 and ratifying it in 2010, implementation has been slow, leaving parents to bear the burden alone. Many families struggle with stigma, financial challenges, inadequate healthcare, and lack of government support. Some are forced to seek treatment abroad at exorbitant costs, while others cannot afford medical care at all, leaving children without the support they need to thrive.
OAK Centre Prime’s Mission
OAK Centre Prime aims to fill this gap by providing medical care, rehabilitation, and advocacy to ensure children with disabilities receive the quality support they deserve.
The Chief Responsibility Officer of OAKonsult Disabilities, Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye, shared that the inspiration behind the centre comes from her personal experience.
“In April 2010, my daughter, Oluwatoyitan Adeloye, suffered severe brain damage due to medical negligence in Nigeria. Desperate for better care, we relocated to the United Kingdom, where she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and Global Developmental Delay. Despite her struggles, she remained a beacon of strength, defying medical expectations until her passing in October 2024,” Adeloye recounted in an interview with the press.
Instead of allowing grief to consume her, Adeloye turned her pain into purpose, vowing to create a centre that would prevent other families from facing similar hardships.
Call for Support
OAK Centre Prime is set to provide specialized therapy, medical support, and educational services, offering a holistic approach to disability care in Nigeria.
As the groundbreaking ceremony approaches, Adeloye is calling on government agencies, corporate organizations, medical professionals, and the general public to support the initiative.
She emphasized that real change requires collective effort—from funding and policy enforcement to increased awareness and professional volunteering.
“This is not just about one centre. It’s about creating a movement that ensures every child, regardless of ability, has access to the care and dignity they deserve,” she said.
