Cerebral Palsy: Parents decry stigma as KWSG seeks support
Abdulrosheed Okiki
Parents of children living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have expressed concern over stigmatisation against them by the public and called for a special school to cater to their educational needs.
At the 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, organised by Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, some parents raised concerns about public reactions to children with cerebral palsy.
A parent, Mrs Shukurat Afolabi, urged the state government to establish a special school for cerebral palsy champions, since they could not attend the Kwara School for Special Needs because they could not do without assistance.
She said though this may not be attainable immediately, the government should provide ‘shadow teachers’ trained to care for cerebral palsy champions in normal schools and pay for their services.
“Most private schools do not admit them because they do not have shadow teachers trained to take care of them,” She said.
For her part, Mrs Oluwabusayo Olaoye, said the ordeal she was facing with her son, Michael Olaoye was too much because he cannot afford normal school.
“We need help because most of us left our tangible jobs to be at home to cater to them and it has not been easy.
She urged parents with CP champions to flaunt their children with pride and passion, as keeping them indoors would affect their self esteem.
“Though the stigmatisation when walking on the road or in an event is too much as if it’s a contagious disease, I urge parents with CP warriors to see them as a personal cross which others too have but in other aspects.
In her address, Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Doctor Mariam NnaFatima Imam, enjoined Nigerians to treat children with disabilities with utmost care, understanding, and respect while according them equal opportunities.
She particularly advised Nigerians to support children battling deformities arising from cerebral palsy as victims deserve better and humane treatment.
“This day reminds all not only of the challenges faced by our champions, but also of their strength, resilience, and extraordinary potential.
“Cerebral palsy is not a limitation of the human spirit, it is a call for understanding, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
“We are to look beyond disability and see ability; beyond challenges and recognise possibility,” she said.
Doctor Imam added that the government had also equipped parents and guardians with refined, income-generating skills in tie and dye, resin artistry and POS enterprise management for financial support.
The Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, Mr Ifeoluwa Oluwaseyi described the Day as a moment of hope and unity.
He called for the inclusion of adults living with cerebral palsy in the political scheme.
