Lagos State Government on Monday received 88 specialised pediatric wheelchairs and other assistive devices including; 225 crutches, 360 eyeglasses and play materials from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for children with disabilities and special needs, to meet the specific needs of identified children across the state.
The donation is expected to advance disability inclusion in the state The official handover ceremony, held at the Lagos State Medical Store, Oshodi, drew government officials, development partners and caregivers committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
Photo News: From Left to Right: Head, Special Projects, Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), Dr. Tolulope Ajomale; Director, Pharmaceutical Services, (LSMOH), Pharm. Olabisi Okewole; Director Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, (LSMOH), Dr. Ismail Abudus-Salam; Director, Programmes/Essential Medicines, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI); Dr. Chizoba Fashanu; Rep. of Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Oluwashikemi Alalade and Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Adekola at the Donation and Handover of Moblity Aids and Assistive Devices for Children with Disabilities and Special Needs to Lagos State Government by CHAI held at Lagos Medical Store, Oshodi.
A statement by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State ministry of health said the donation is part of ongoing efforts under the Build A World of Play (BAWOP) programme and the state’s Early Pathway to Inclusive Care (EPIC) framework aimed at strengthening early identification, intervention and support systems for children across Lagos.
In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, represented by the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, said the ceremony was more than a formal handover but a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to inclusive care.
She stressed that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, participate fully and reach their potential.
Dr. Lajide said that assistive devices such as wheelchairs go beyond mobility to enable children to sit upright, interact with peers, attend school comfortably and engage more meaningfully in everyday life.
She explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the BAWOP programme and Lagos State’s EPIC framework, which connects schools, healthcare facilities and communities to ensure early identification and appropriate referrals for children with developmental challenges. She commended teachers, health workers and caregivers for their frontline roles in identifying and supporting children. Lajide assured that the Ministry would continue to strengthen systems that support early detection, rehabilitation and access to assistive technology.
While receiving the items on behalf of the state government, she pledged that the devices would be responsibly deployed to reach children who need them most. She stated that the partnership with CHAI would continue to drive inclusive health system reforms across Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of CHAI, the Director, Programs and Essential Medicines, Dr. Chizoba Fashanu, said the organisation has maintained a strong partnership with Lagos State since 2013, by supporting health systems, vaccine access and primary healthcare delivery.
She described the handover as another milestone in the collaboration, highlighting that the BAWOP programme focuses on early screening, access to assistive technologies and play-based interventions to support children’s development.
According to her, early childhood remains the most critical stage of development, and timely support, through mobility aids, inclusive play and medical care, can significantly improve outcomes for children living with disabilities.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Olabisi Okewole, described the event as a demonstration of shared commitment to inclusive healthcare and social support.
She added that the intervention offers renewed hope, dignity and improved participation for beneficiaries, while appreciating CHAI for its longstanding support in strengthening Lagos State’s health system and improving service delivery across multiple fronts.
In her goodwill message, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, LASODA, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, emphasized that disability inclusion is a fundamental human right. She stated that initiatives such as the donation ensure children with disabilities are not left behind in government programmes.
In his closing remarks, the Head of Special Projects, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, described the donation as a major milestone in the state’s inclusive care journey.
Ajomale said that Lagos remains committed to expanding opportunities for all children, particularly those living with disabilities.
He appreciated CHAI and other partners for their support, calling for sustained collaboration to scale interventions and reach more children across the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Ademola Mariam, whose seven-year-old son lives with cerebral palsy, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the wheelchair as life-changing.
She said the device would improve her child’s mobility and participation in school activities.
Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships and scaling interventions that promote inclusion, early identification and improved quality of life for children with disabilities.