Yes, Persons With Disabilities Are Also Vulnerable To HIV - Dr Folakemi Animashaun, CEO Lagos AIDS Control Agency

The chief executive officer(CEO) , Lagos AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, has debunked the myth that persons with disabilities are less likely to be vulnerable to HIV because of perceived less sexual activity within the disabled community, saying that everyone who is exposed to the virus, whether abled body or with disability, is vulnerable to HIV.

Dr Animashaun made this disclosure while speaking on an exclusive chat with Lagos Today Extra!, on the sideline of a one-day awareness and sensitization programme organized for persons with disabilities in the state on HIV prevention and management.

The programme, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), brought together members of the hearing and visually impaired community, stakeholders, and advocates to enhance awareness on HIV prevention, promote disability-inclusive healthcare services, and address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing HIV-related information and support.

“Yes, persons with disabilities are also vulnerable to HIV. Whether you are abled body or living with disability, if you are exposed to HIV, you are vulnerable to the virus,” Dr Animashaun told our correspondent.

She added that even though the agency was still working out the data to find out the percentage of PWDs among those living with HIV in Lagos state, there was no denying the fact that anyone exposed to the virus is vulnerable to HIV, whether abled body or with disability.

“And that’s why we are organising this event specifically for those living with disabilities. We want them to know how to find out if they or their partners are HIV positive and what to do if they are, how to reduce the viral load through medication and also how to avoid discriminating against those who are HIV positive,” she further added.

She revealed that participants in the programme are also taught how to recognise and avoid domestic violence, stressing that  even though it may not be rampant in the disability community, cases of domestic violence are rampant in the larger society.

“People who knew that their partners are positive and willingly go into the marriage, end up inflicting domestic violence on such partners. We are also using this sensitization event to discourage such attitudes,” she said.

The Ceo of LSACA said information materials for the programme have been specifically processed into formats that are accessible to the participants. “In this event, we have participants from both the visually and the hearing impaired communities. And to ensure that the information is properly digested by participants, we have them presented in formats that each group can easily access. For those with visual impairment, we have the information in brail while there is a sign language interpreter on ground to pass the message to those with hearing impairment,” she stated.

On issues of stigma, Animashaun said LSACA is there to mediate for those who are being stigmatized or discriminated on because they are HIV positive. She said the agency is there for people to report to and get justice.

According to her, being a person with disability in Lagos does not exclude one from knowing what one should know concerning HIV, hence the need to have a separate awareness programme for persons with disabilities. “The mantra from His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu  is that no one should be left behind and at LSACA, we have keyed in to that policy direction of inclusivity. So we have the mandate to ensure that anyone with disability in Lagos has the basic knowledge  of HIV, knows how to interact with those living with HIV, and how to prevent themselves from contracting the virus. We are also here to make participants understand that those who have the virus must not transmit it to others and that they are taking their medications regularly,” she said.

Earlier, during his presentation, Mr Michael Essien, one of the facilitators, outlined the main modes of HIV transmission to include unprotected sexual intercourse, mother to baby transmission during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding, as well as sharing of sharp objects that have been used to pierce the body, and through blood transfusion.

“The prevention for sexually transmitted HIV is either proper and consistent use of condoms during sex, abstinence , or faithfulness to partners,” he said, adding that pregnant women should regularly take their medications to avoid transmitting the virus to their baby either in the womb, during delivery or in the process of breastfeeding. He also advised participants to avoid sharing sharp objects like syringes, needles and hair clippers, while patients going for blood transfusion should make sure that the blood they are using is certified by the Lagos state government.

Another facilitator, Dr Sule Omolola, while making her own presentation, said The right of persons to access healthcare should not be violated, adding that this happens when someone is denied access to healthcare because of their disability status.

“If, for instance, a hearing impaired patient goes to a healthcare facility and the medical personnel says the patient should go home and bring a family member as an interpreter, it is very wrong. Such a family member may not only end up disclosing the HIV status of the patient to others but may also start giving the patient instructions on what to do and what not to do, most of which may not be medically correct,” she said, adding  that people who are vulnerable to HIV and largely depend on others for their livelihood, often lack access to healthcare and this increases their vulnerability as well as transmitting the virus to others.

Dr Sule said the fear of negative attitudes of healthcare workers is a big barrier in the way of most patients trying to access such healthcare.

She also revealed that women and girls are at greater risk of gender based violence within the disability community. “Women and girls are at greater risk of gender based violence and this is often committed by care givers and family members,” she said adding   that such a situation could lead to physical injury, HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy.

“Some of these care givers may withhold access to mobility aids and insist that they would not release them to you unless you obey them. This becomes double burden because first you are with disability and now, you are being denied access to healthcare,” she further stated.   

Dr Sule also informed participants that most of these atrocities against persons with disabilities stem from cultural myths, saying that in some societies, there is the dangerous belief that if one have sex with a person with disability, one would be cured of one’s HIV, while some people also believe that having sex with a disabled person would make them wealthy. These myths, she said, fuel the risk of gender base violence and risk of HIV infection among persons with disabilities.

Clarifying the relationship between stigma and discrimination, Dr Sule said stigma occurs in the mind, when people begin to have negative thoughts about others because of their gender, health or disability status while discrimination sets in when such stigma is translated into action by isolating such people. Stigma, she said, feeds disability because if someone is isolated due to stigma and discrimination, they become economically disadvantaged and have to rely on others and when this happens, it leads to vulnerability that may end up with the person involved contracting the virus and unknowingly transmitting it to others.

Dr Sule, however, said even though there are several barriers on the way of persons with disabilities accessing healthcare, they have rights under the law to overcome these barriers if they report to agencies like the LSACA or the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA)whenever they perceive that those rights are being violated, whether by family members, care givers or healthcare providers.

The event featured demonstrations on how to properly use both the male and female condoms as well as on-the-spot self saliva HIV test carried out by participants themselves to know their HIV status.

Some of the participants who spoke with Lagos Today Extra!, said they benefited a lot from the event, promising to cascade the information they got down to their various disability communities when they get back.

“I have learnt so many things about HIV today. For instance, I did not know until today that I could carry out a self test all by myself. This is a good thing because it ensures confidentiality and reduces the likelihood of stigma in the event of a negative test. Again, I learnt of the many legal avenues at our disposal when our rights are being violated in our quest to have access to healthcare as persons with disabilities,” one of the participants who gave her name as Ola, said.

“The sessions were very interactive. We had opportunities to ask and answer questions. I have learnt so much today and when I get back, I will cascade the information I have gathered down to my community so that those who are not here can also benefit from the information,” another participant stated.

Cross sections of participants at the event

 

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Autism Foundation Provides Free Screening For Children In Ikorodu

As part of activities marking this year’s Children’s Day, the FOS Autism Foundation recently organised a one-day free neuro-developmental screening and

consultation programme in Ikorodu, Lagos, aimed at improving autism awareness and early intervention for children with special needs.

The outreach, which attracted over 70 children alongside parents, guardians and caregivers, featured a team of medical and developmental specialists, including

a consultant paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, behaviour analysts, speech therapists and occupational therapists.

The programme focused on autism awareness, early screening, counselling and equipping parents with practical strategies to better support children with

developmental challenges.

In a statement, the founder of the FOS Autism Foundation, Osezusi Bolodeoku, said the initiative was driven by the need to make

essential support services accessible to families who may not be able to afford professional care.

She explained that many parents lack access to specialised intervention due to cost, adding that early guidance can significantly improve outcomes for

children.

“As professionals, accessing this kind of support requires significant financial capability. So what happens to children whose families cannot afford it?”

she said.

Bolodeoku, a behavioural analyst and educational psychologist, noted that her personal experience as a parent of a child with ADHD also inspired her advocacy,

stressing that parents can make meaningful progress when equipped with the right tools.

She added that Ikorodu was selected for the outreach due to the high number of children in the area who require developmental support, noting that while

government efforts in special education are commendable, more collaboration is still needed from private initiatives.

Bolodeoku also addressed misconceptions surrounding autism, stressing that it is not a disease or a “death sentence,” but a developmental condition that

benefits greatly from early intervention.

According to her, the foundation has also created support groups where parents can interact with professionals, receive guidance and follow up on their

children’s progress over time.

“Families are not leaving empty-handed. They are going home with recommendations and strategies, and they will continue to receive support and follow-up,”

she said.

Also speaking at the event, behaviour analyst Priscilla Ahaiwe-Okeke described the initiative as impactful, noting that access to therapy and assessment

remains expensive for many families.

She said the outreach provided parents with practical, home-based strategies to support their children while they await more structured interventions.

  

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I Am Now Blind But Many People Don't Know - Fuji Music Star Remi Aluko

Fuji musician Remi Aluko has revealed that he can barely see after years of battling glaucoma.  

The singer disclosed his condition during a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, explaining that his vision has deteriorated despite undergoing eye surgery in the past.

Even before now, speculation had been rife that the fuji star , had lost his sight and keeping it a secret. Some people have said that whenever he is performing, his boys stylishly guide his movements on stage to prevent the public from knowing about his visual impairment.

Also, a young man who watched his performance at Ketu, Lagos, recently said that he seemed to believe that the Fuji star had gone blind because of the way his boys surrounded him during his performance.

   Aluko said he currently cannot see and lives with blindness, though many people are unaware because he carries himself confidently.  

He noted that he has learned to manage daily life independently and deliberately avoids dwelling on his condition to prevent depression.  

“I’m a glaucoma patient. I’m managing myself; I’m currently not seeing. Despite being a glaucoma patient, many people don’t know. There’s no difference between me and a blind person now, but no one knows because I don’t let my condition weigh me down.

“Thank God that I know how to take care of myself like someone who can see. I decided not to dwell on my condition because I don’t want to be depressed,” he said.

The Fuji star, known for his vibrant stage performances, remains active in the music industry despite his health challenges.

Remi Aluko, born on September 29, 1977, in Ebute Metta, Lagos State, Nigeria, is one of the most distinctive voices in Nigerian Fuji music. With ancestral roots in Ilesha (Osun State) and Abeokuta (Ogun State), Remi was raised in a Christian home, yet his identity remains firmly tied to the energy, rhythm, and culture of Lagos, the city that shaped his voice and vision.

Aluko began performing professionally at age of 15. He made his debut in 1998 with the album Celebration, released under Oregun Records. Over the years, Aluko has released several albums, including Goodnews (1999), One time (2002/2003), The Child (2000), and Ajela (2003/2004) amongst others.

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Spinal Cord Injuries Association Of Nigeria Calls For Rehab Facility

Proposed site for the rehab facility in Amuwo Odofin in Lagos 

The Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) has called on the Nigerian government to establish a dedicated hospital for the rehabilitation of those with spinal cord injuries.

Abdulwahab Matepo, the group’s president, made this appeal at a press conference held in Lagos.

Mr Matepo highlighted the neglect and lack of attention to rehabilitation issues in Nigeria despite the high incidence of spinal cord injuries due to road crashes, violence and other causes.

“I did my own (rehabilitation) in Germany. She (secretary) did hers in India. You have people like that. If you ask anybody who has done rehab, it’s either India, Germany, the UK, the US, or South Africa,” he said.

He noted that disability is a universal possibility that can impact any individual at any moment, highlighting the critical necessity for accessible rehabilitation services.

Spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting communication between the body and the brain. It damages the nerves in the spinal column, leading to varying degrees of permanent motor, sensory, and functional impairment.

To help survivors of violence, falls, and road traffic accidents in Nigeria regain their quality of life, comprehensive rehabilitation is essential. Such services are urgently needed to foster independence and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Mr Matepo noted that the government allocated some hectares of land to the group for the construction of a rehabilitation centre, but their involvement seems to end there.

He, however, noted that the Lagos State government has contributed by fencing the premises and landscaping, but the purpose of the land has yet to be achieved.

According to Mr Matepo, adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury is difficult.

He noted that the absence of mental health resources and societal barriers to embracing this new reality exacerbate the risks of suicide and depression among survivors.

He explained that at the rehabilitation hospital, the spinal cord injury patients would undergo mental health, physical, occupational and vocational therapy, amongst others.

He said the physical therapy includes training in using wheelchairs and other assistive devices, which is often necessary but not always provided, while occupational therapy helps individuals learn new skills to maintain economic independence and community integration.

Mr Matepo added that mental health therapy is crucial for coping with the psychological impact of the injury, including depression, which is a significant issue amongst spinal cord injury survivors.

He also shared a personal experience of being advised to find ground-floor accommodation after he was discharged from the hospital, six months after the accident that left him wheelchair-bound.

The group’s president said that in 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a programme called ‘Rehabilitation 2030,’ and developed a tool to assess how each country is performing.

The initiative aims to recognise rehabilitation as an essential service and integrate it into the healthcare system.

“Recently, they were in Nigeria to deploy the tool, and what they found was far below expectations,” Mr Matepo said.

He noted that Nigeria lacks a rehabilitation policy and that rehabilitation is not mentioned in its health policy.

Rehabilitation centre overview

On his part, David Majekodunmi, an architect and consultant, emphasised the role of a rehabilitation centre in restoring dignity, rebuilding independence and creating hope for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Mr Majekodunmi noted that the proposed centre would feature a comprehensive range of facilities, including specialised spinal rehabilitation boards, physiotherapy and occupational therapy units, hydrotherapy and mobility training facilities, and vocational and skills-acquisition facilities.

  

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Eviction: 32 Lagos Children With Cerebral Palsy, Autism Rendered Homeless

By Temitope Adetunji

It was meant to be a normal morning of therapy, laughter, and carefully structured routines that help children with developmental challenges make sense of their world.

But for eight-year-old Chinedu (not his real name), who lives with cerebral palsy and depends on daily guided movement therapy, the day unfolded differently.

That morning, after being bathed and dressed by his caregiver at Magnificient Therapy Services in Yaba, Lagos, and preparing for the familiar rhythm of exercises that help him sit upright for longer periods, strange men suddenly stormed the facility, and he was hurriedly lifted into the arms of a staff member.

Voices rose, furniture was dragged outside, and unfamiliar faces bent on enforcing an eviction order took over the premises.

For Chinedu and 31 other children, the world they understood: safe rooms, gentle instruction, and structured care, suddenly dissolved into confusion and uncertainty.

What was once known as a place of care, patience, and a support system for vulnerable children with developmental challenges became a scene of displacement and quiet heartbreak.

The chaotic scene unfolded on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, when Magnificent Therapy Services, a long-standing therapy and caregiving centre for children with special needs, was forcibly evicted from the building it had occupied for 16 years following a court-enforced action arising from a prolonged tenancy dispute.

The eviction left 32 children, some unable to walk and others requiring constant supervision, suddenly without the stable environment they depended on for learning, emotional regulation, and survival.

For many of these children, routine is not a luxury; it is a lifeline. Consistent therapy, predictable environments, and familiar caregivers are not merely supportive structures; they are essential to preventing regression in physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

The abrupt loss of their therapy centre, therefore, meant more than losing a building. It meant losing safety, structure, and continuity.

“This is not just a building we lost,” co-founder and therapist, Bidemi Jaiyesimi, said, his voice heavy with emotion. “We lost a safe space for children who depend on routine, care, and stability to survive each day.”

The eviction unfolded with startling speed. One moment, staff members were trying to calm and organise the children; the next, therapy rooms had been emptied, with furniture recklessly flung outside.

Confused and distressed children who rely on wheelchairs or physical assistance were left outside the building, exposed to the elements, while caregivers scrambled to comfort them.

“It happened so fast. Some of our children who cannot walk had to be kept outside the building. It is an image I will never forget. Their belongings were scattered outside. It is very depressing,” Jaiyesimi said, wiping tears from eyes reddened by crying.

For vulnerable children, sudden environmental disruption can trigger severe emotional distress, behavioural regression and, in some cases, medical complications.

Many of the children at the centre live with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, and other developmental conditions that require consistency, specialised intervention, and controlled surroundings.

Some parents, who had entrusted the centre with the care and therapy of their children, arrived in panic after hearing about the eviction and were overwhelmed by the scene before them. Many hurriedly took their children home.

But not all had that option. Orphans and children without immediate guardians were moved into an uncompleted building as a temporary arrangement, while concerned neighbours stepped in to provide short-term shelter.

Founded in 2010 in a modest two-bedroom apartment with just two children, Sunday PUNCH gathered that Magnificient Therapy Services gradually grew into a fragile but vital refuge, becoming a place where children often excluded by society could receive care, therapy, and attention tailored to their specific needs.

Yet sustainability has always remained fragile.

The centre, which currently has 23 staff members and 32 children in its care, admits children based on what Jaiyesimi describes as “mental age,” ranging from three to 32 years.

He revealed that it survives largely on donations, while some parents contribute between N80,000 and N100,000 every three months, amounts many families struggle to afford amid worsening economic hardship.

“We were not refusing to move. We were trying to survive the process without abandoning the children,” Jaiyesimi explained.

He said the organisation had been issued a six-month notice to vacate and had been making efforts to raise funds for relocation.

Even appeals for intervention reportedly reached the Sabo Divisional Police Station. Yet, despite these efforts, the eviction proceeded.

Now displaced, one painful question remains unresolved: where will the children continue not only their therapy, but also find shelter?

For children with special needs, instability is not merely inconvenient; it can be deeply damaging. Unlike their peers in more resourced environments who benefit from structured learning systems, specialised equipment, and consistent therapeutic schedules, these children depend heavily on predictability and safe spaces to thrive.

Jaiyesimi said without such support, developmental progress painstakingly built over months or years can quickly be lost.

 “We are stranded now. These children cannot just be moved from place to place like luggage. We need a safe, permanent facility. This is a cry for help,” the therapist said quietly.

Jaiyesimi said the government was aware of the dire situation but described the support received so far as insufficient due to competing demands across Lagos State.

“We have spoken to the available government structures, but the support is not enough. There are too many needs, too many children, and not enough systems built specifically for cases like this,” he lamented.

Despite the centre’s struggles, it had benefited from its proximity to health institutions in Yaba, including colleges of health technology, orthopaedic hospitals, and physiotherapy centres, where students and professionals interacted with the children for practical learning and care exposure.

Global child protection and health bodies have long warned about the consequences of such gaps. The World Health Organisation emphasises that children with developmental disabilities require early, continuous, and integrated care systems that include rehabilitation, education, and psychosocial support. Without these, they risk lifelong exclusion from education, employment, and social participation.

In Nigeria, children with disabilities already face significant barriers to inclusion, education, and healthcare.

While some children benefit from structured classrooms, assistive learning tools, trained therapists, and inclusive education systems, these 32 children now face an uncertain future without a guaranteed space for therapy, learning, or stability.

Similarly, the United Nations Children’s Fund notes that children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations globally, facing higher risks of neglect, institutional exclusion, and limited access to essential services.

UNICEF stresses that inclusion is not charity but a right and has called on governments to build systems that ensure accessible healthcare, education, and community-based support.

Both WHO and UNICEF have also consistently highlighted that sudden disruptions in care, such as the loss of therapy services or displacement from supportive environments, can have long-term consequences for a child’s development, mental health, and overall well-being.

The organisations advocate stable, family-centred, and community-supported care systems that protect continuity in learning and rehabilitation.

Beyond immediate shelter, advocates say what is urgently needed is not just relocation, but structured intervention through safe facilities, sustained funding, inclusive policies, and a stronger social protection system for children with developmental disabilities.

As the children remain scattered across temporary arrangements, their future hangs in uncertainty.

What remains clear, however, is that behind every diagnosis is a child who deserves dignity, protection, and a stable place to grow.

Culled from the Punch 

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Autistic Teenage Cyclist Presents Guinness World Record Certificate To Arts And Culture Minister

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Wednesday received a Guinness World Record certificate from 15-year-old autistic artist and cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, following his 686-mile cycling expedition from Enugu to Lagos.

The presentation took place in Abuja, where the minister described the teenager as an inspiration to Nigeria and the global autism community.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Nneka Anibeze, the Special Adviser to the minister, Musawa praised Kanye’s resilience, creativity and determination, while commending his family for supporting and nurturing his talents.

“Kanye is the personification of what makes us want to be better human beings. He continues to break every single glass ceiling and surpass every expectation,” the minister said.

She added, “When the world talks about the greats, and the likes of Mandela, I have no doubt that somewhere, the name Kanye will be there. I even believe that one day, he may be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. That is something I feel in my spirit.”

Earlier, Kanye’s mother, Silvia Tagbo-Okeke, formally presented the certificate to the minister and thanked her for supporting the teenager’s advocacy and artistic projects over the years.

“This second Guinness World Record is for cycling. He cycled from Enugu to Lagos, and it was also a tourism journey, captured along the way with community engagements and receptions in various states,” she said.

“We are here to officially present the record to our ‘Mummy’ because you have always supported us and our exhibitions over the years,” she added.

Dr Tagbo-Okeke also disclosed that Kanye is scheduled to hold an art exhibition at the United Nations headquarters in New York from May 20 to August 25, 2026.

Kanye, accompanied by his family and support team, completed the cycling expedition between March 19 and April 2, 2026, travelling across several states from Enugu to Lagos.

The journey, which promoted autism awareness and tourism, featured community engagements and official receptions showcasing Nigeria’s culture, heritage and landscapes.

The feat also established him as the youngest person to cycle more than 100 miles, surpassing the benchmark with a total distance of 686 miles covered during the expedition.

  

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2027 Elections: 30-Year Old Dwarf Picks APC House Of Representatives Form

As Lagosians living with disabilities continue to push for an inclusive electoral system where everyone, irrespective of their disability status, can fully participate, comes this cheering news of a popular dwarf politician from Zaria picking the nomination form for the House of Reps in the 2027 general elections. a popular 20-year old, Zaria-based politician with dwarfism, Sadis Buba, formally obtained his nomination and Expression of Interest forms to contest for the House of Representatives in the 2027 elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He announced his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat of Sabon Gari federal constituency of Kaduna State in 2027.

Buba made the declaration in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, where he revealed that he had obtained his nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the forthcoming elections.

“Today, I humbly announce that I have obtained my nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives, Sabon Gari Federal Constituency,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Buba highlighted his rise from modest beginnings as a driver, noting that his experience has reinforced his belief in equal opportunity.

“From my beginnings as a driver to this moment, my journey has been built on hard work, resilience, and the belief that every individual, no matter their background, can rise to serve,” he stated.

The aspirant pledged to prioritise transparent and people-oriented representation if elected, emphasising his commitment to addressing the needs of constituents.

“I am stepping forward with a clear vision: to represent the people of Sabon Gari with honesty, dedication, and true leadership. Your voice will be heard, your concerns will matter, and together we will work towards real development and opportunities for all,” Buba said.

He further framed his ambition as a collective movement rather than a personal pursuit.

“This campaign is not just about me, it is about us, our future, and the progress of our constituency,” he added.

Buba also called on residents of the constituency to support his candidacy as the political process unfolds.

“I ask for your support, your prayers, and your trust as we begin this journey together. Sabon Gari, let’s rise as one,” he concluded.

  

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Newly Delivered Mother Accuses Ikotun Hospital Of Stealing One Of Her Twin Babies

The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday said it had commenced an investigation into the alleged disappearance of a newborn at a private hospital in the Ikotun area of the state.

The command, reacting to a viral video of a woman accusing medical staff of withholding one of her twins after delivery, said the matter was being handled with relevant stakeholders.

A statement by its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, and obtained by PUNCH Metro  read, “The Command is aware of the trending video and wishes to inform the public that the matter is currently under investigation.

“Relevant professional bodies and associations have been contacted and are working in synergy with the Police to get to the root of the situation.”

It added that the Area Commander, Area M, was personally overseeing the case, assuring that findings would be made public.

“The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course. Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, as the situation is under control,” the statement added.

The incident sparked tension after a viral video showed a woman, identified as Blessing Isioma David, accusing staff of Tip-Top Solution Hospital of withholding her second baby after delivery.

In the footage shared by AsakyGRN on X, the woman—seen holding a newborn—was filmed shouting at a supposed doctor of the facility identified as Tip-Top Solution hospital while demanding the whereabouts of her second baby.

“Produce my second baby. This is not good enough. I did not come to this hospital to be robbed of my baby,” she was heard screaming in the video.

In the background, individuals who accompanied her were also heard demanding the arrest of hospital staff over allegations of baby trafficking.

The video also displayed an obstetric scan report said to belong to the patient, identified as Blessing Isioma David, 28, dated March 2026, which indicated a twin pregnancy with two foetuses observed.

The report stated, “Twin visible. Twin 1 is an oblique cephalic while Twin 2 is a transverse presentation. Normal cardiac pulsations noted,” adding that “Gender for Twin 1 is XY, while Gender for Twin 2 is XX.”

Reacting to the allegation, the hospital’s medical director, Sunday Babajide, dismissed claims of wrongdoing, insisting that only one baby was delivered and that the scan result was inaccurate.

“The scan was wrong, and she did not do another scan in another centre. It was an error; the scan said two instead of one.

“We invited the husband to the theatre… the husband witnessed that it was one. The woman herself was not asleep; she was awake,” Babajide was quoted as saying to the Peoples Gazette.

The hospital director added that the family was also informed immediately after birth.

Corroborating his claim on the scan, Babajide asserted, “If the scan was done at the early stage… it will clearly show it. But if the scan was done at a later period, an error can occur,” he said, noting that the scan was done at about 20 weeks.

“The mistake we made was that we should have insisted on her doing another scan elsewhere to be doubly sure,” he added.

  

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Outrage As Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere Offers Financial Inducement For Any Man Willing To Marry His Disabled Daughter

    

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the founder of Omega Power Ministry, has sparked outrage with his announcement of financial inducement for any man willing to marry his    21-year-old autistic adopted daughter, with disability advocates raising concerns about consent, dignity, and the ethics of arranging marriages for people with disabilities .

One of those who have lent their voices to the development is actor Damola Olatunji who criticised the man of God, saying the situation “has crossed a line and must be addressed seriously”.

In a statement, Olatunji questioned whether the woman could genuinely consent to such an arranged marriage, arguing that Apostle Chibuzor should instead establish a proper care home for her.

Apostle Chibuzor had announced the plan on Facebook, offering incentives to any man willing to marry his daughter, including financial support and housing.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Chinyere, who described the arrangement as being in the young woman’s best interests.

“I am giving out another of my adopted daughters in marriage. Her name is Chiemeka Chibuzor. She is 21 years old and has autism. She can speak and hear well,” the statement read.

Chinyere listed conditions for prospective suitors, stating that the man must be young and “physically and mentally fit in all forms.”

In exchange, he outlined a suite of benefits including lifetime financial support, free housing for life, a jointly built property in both spouses’ names, and regular unannounced visits by OPM staff to monitor the woman’s welfare.

“This arrangement is to ensure that she is properly cared for, protected, and lives a happy life,” the statement added.

But advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities say the apostle’s action would amount to buying a husband for the woman simply because she is a PWD. They argue that persons with disabilities deserve to choose their own partners, not forced to marry a man who, from all indications, would be attracted by the incentives being offered and not necessarily because of his love for her.

Actor Olatunji countered the plan, stating that people with autism deserve dignity, protection, and better support systems, adding that exploiting vulnerable individuals is unacceptable.

He wrote, “This situation has crossed a line and must be addressed seriously. Marriage is a decision that requires full, informed consent from both parties. Rather than pursuing marriage, establishing a proper care home would be a far more appropriate and compassionate solution.

“The key question to ask is: would this person genuinely choose to get married at 21 under normal circumstances, free from any external influence? If the answer is no, then that must be respected unconditionally.

“No one should exploit a vulnerable person’s condition as an opportunity for marriage. People living with autism deserve dignity, protection, and better-structured support systems, not situations that could potentially be manipulative or harmful. There are far more ethical and effective ways to provide care and support for individuals with autism”, he said.

 The announcement follows a similar and widely publicised arrangement by the cleric in which he organised the marriage of a non-verbal autistic man, widely known as Aboy, to an older woman in a ceremony held on March 29.

That wedding drew mixed reactions, with critics raising concerns about the dignity of people with cognitive disabilities.

Chinyere had subsequently responded to the backlash by gifting Aboy, now renamed Elijah, a Lexus car and a plot of land, and appointing him as an ambassador for the church’s free school for children with autism and Down syndrome.

  

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Irede Foundation Expands Scope Of Operation To Include More Disability Clusters

The Irede Foundation has expanded its disability inclusion outreach in Lagos, reaching more than 1,000 residents through an annual programme that combines

awareness advocacy, fundraising and direct support for people living with disabilities.

The initiative, held in Lagos, brought together volunteers, supporters and beneficiaries who contributed personal resources to support empowerment efforts

for persons with disabilities. The programme also featured a 32-kilometre awareness walk aimed at drawing attention to mobility challenges, social exclusion

and access gaps affecting the disability community.

The outreach forms part of the foundation’s broader push to improve access to prosthetic limbs and promote inclusion across education, mobility and economic

participation.

Speaking at the event, the foundation’s Founder and Chief Executive of the foundation, Crystal Chigbu, said the organisation’s work now extends beyond

Nigeria, with operations across all 36 states and growing international footprints in countries including Ghana, Germany, Canada and Namibia.

She said the initiative, themed “No Limits, Just Motion”, was focused on promoting access to transportation, education and information for people living

with disabilities, while encouraging them to demonstrate their abilities. As part of this year’s programme, more than 200 children are expected to receive

prosthetic limbs.

Chigbu added that the foundation is increasingly deploying 3D-printed prosthetic limbs, following successful pilot runs over the past six months. The technology

is expected to account for more than half of the limbs distributed this year, a move she said would accelerate delivery and expand access for both children

and adults.

Beyond amputees, she noted that the foundation’s interventions now cover a broader spectrum of disability groups, including people with albinism, the deaf,

the visually impaired and others requiring mobility and social support.

Government officials present at the event reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to inclusive development. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development,

Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the outreach as a critical platform for advocacy and collaboration, aligning with the state government’s pledge to ensure

that no resident is left behind.

He said the state, through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, continues to coordinate programmes targeted at people living with disabilities

while calling for stronger partnerships with private organisations and civil society groups.

According to him, while government support remains essential, collaboration is key to scaling impact, noting that assistance could range from financial

backing to policy support and access to infrastructure that enables organisations to expand their reach.

Also speaking, a member of the foundation’s board of trustees, Folake Okunubi, said the outreach was designed not only to raise funds but also to challenge

societal perceptions about disability.

She stressed the need for inclusive infrastructure, education and social systems, noting that many children with limb loss face stigma and barriers to

schooling, often resulting in isolation. Creating an enabling environment, she said, would allow beneficiaries described by the foundation as “champions”

to fully participate in society and access economic opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries, Michael Alan, a 14-year-old participant in the walk, said the programme had helped raise awareness and demonstrate that people

living with disabilities can perform at the same level as others.

He said the initiative had not only provided support but also challenged perceptions, adding that increased awareness and sustained empowerment programmes

would enable more children with disabilities to live independently and contribute meaningfully to society.

  

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How Churches Can Achieve Inclusion Of Persons With Disabilities In Their Activities - Pastor Arowosegbe

He is blind but he is a pastor; and not just any pastor but the senior pastor of a zonal headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), under Lagos Province 69. The story of Pastor Adegoke Lawrence Arowosegbe, the shepherd in charge of RCCG Light of God Zona Headquarters, is proof to the Bible’s assertion that, while men look at the outer appearance, God looks inwards. It’s also a testament to the fact that God can use anyone to expand his kingdom, irrespective of their situation or condition.

In this interview with Lagos Today Extra!, Pastor Arowosegbe speaks on issues bothering the church and persons with disabilities and other related issues. It’s a must read for all Christians and all persons with disabilities as both parties have one or two lessons to learn.

 

How does it feel being the visually impaired senior pastor of an RCCG zonal headquarters church?

How does it feel? Well, it has its own challenges. The society where we dwell has very little or no regards for persons with disabilities, especially those with visual impairment. So, there has been one or two challenges. However, since it is the work of God, God has always proven himself and we are able to handle most of the situations that come our way, at least as far as church is concerned.

How do the members of your church respond to you, especially during healing ministrations? Do they say “Pastor heal yourself first before you think of healing us”?

We have taught the people, through the Word of God, that it's God who does the healing, not the man of God. And he does it in whichever way and manner he wants. Because one is visually impaired does not mean that God cannot propagate his kingdom through that person. Our God can do anything through anybody. He does his things the way he wants it and when he wants it. For instance, in the book of Daniel chapter 1, verse 21, the Bible tells us that God controls times and seasons. And so, if we have that understanding, that he controls times and seasons, we can also understand that he does things whenever  and in whatever way he likes. That the pastor is visually impaired is not a factor here because  the people can see the work of God manifesting in him. In view of this, they cannot deny the power of God operating through him despite the visual impairment.

At what point in your life did you give your life to Christ, was it before or after the impairment?

The truth of the matter is that I started having visual challenges right from childhood. The visual impairment did not come up in the course of church appointment. I did all my education as a blind student in the blind school. So, at what point did I give my life to God? I gave my life to Christ in 1998; to be specific, the last Sunday of January 1998. Prior to that time, I was just like the regular boy in the neighbourhood: going to different parties, carrying girls and all the rest of it. But at the point when we needed to surrender to God, we surrendered. Old things passed away and all things became new in the new life in Christ.

Looking at inclusivity in the church, especially in the Nigerian setting, do you think we are there yet or more still needs to be done?

More still needs to be done. We are Far from there, far from being there. Very, very far. I'm not too sure at what level we are in this country in terms of inclusion of persons with disabilities in church activities. If I say that we have not even started, it would be like one is not optimistic even though that is the present reality as far as Nigerian churches are concerned. So I will say that we have started but we are not there yet. Maybe with time, we will gradually build it up. For example, many churches, whether Redeemed or other denominations, don't have facilities that can really, really accommodate persons with disabilities. They don't have them. If we look at accessibility as a case study, you will agree with me that we are not there yet. But we do hope that with some of us now getting involved and doing advocacy, Maybe the church will get to know and do the needful to achieve inclusion of persons with disabilities in its activities.

Can you be more specific about these accessibility facilities? We know about ramps. Are there other facilities that the church needs to put in place to achieve this inclusivity for PWDs?

The facilities are different in nature. You talk about ramps, right? Ramps are essential modifications that provide significant benefits to wheelchair users by improving accessibility, safety, and independence. But even if you look at the staircase, where PWDs that are not on wheelchairs walk on, a lot of those steps cause more harm than good to persons with visual impairment. I was supposed to minister on a particular Order of Reading in a particular church. But to climb to the altar was a big challenge. The staircases in most churches are in zigzag form and as a blind person, you are sometimes confused whether to go to the left or to the right. It might be accommodating to persons with sight; but for the visually impaired, that's a big challenge. So, to access the church environment itself, A lot of work needs to be done, a lot of advocacy needs to be made.

In the area of Bible literature, do you also look in the direction of brailing Bibles, Sunday school manuals and other literatures so that blind persons can actively participate in church activities?

Fortunately for us, if I take the Bible as a case study, I have a Bible here which is braille. And to a very good extent, it was not supplied by the church. I have the complete Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, on braille and I ordered all of them from abroad. But in fairness to the Nigerian Bible Society, they have great Bibles there. And I think to a very good extent, they give them out free to those who approach them. And churches should find a way of partnering with them. For other literatures, churches are gradually coming up. I remember what happened with the Redeemed Sunday School manual. I wrote to the church to let them know that We have some visually impaired people in the church and these people need to read the Sunday School manual just like other members of the church. And they have taken that as a responsibility. So, as a case study that I know, the RCCG  produces Sunday school manual in Braille for the benefit of visually impaired people amongst us. and I think other denominations should follow suit.

What advice would you give to some men of God who keep their distance from persons with disabilities?

If I refer back to my message on love preached somewhere last month, we say love accommodates. If we are using love as a parameter in church, then pastors have no reason to distance themselves from people with disabilities. We must understand that even in disability, there is ability. If we have that understanding, we should give everybody a platform, just to test drive. I did not become a pastor overnight. Something happened. Far back in Ebute Meta, between 2004 and 2005, the church I was attending, the pastor saw me and spotted me out. Before then, I was the one writing for the "Excellent Men", a group in the church. I was their secretary. And I was always the one writing the minutes of our meetings. I was also the one writing the Pastor's Desk, a column on the church bulletin. I was carrying out these two assignments simultaneously. And one day, the pastor said, "Arowosegbe,  please prepare to minister for 20 minutes next week Sunday". That was the first time I was being given a platform to minister the Word of God to the congregation. So, pastors have no reason not to allow persons with disabilities to work in the church.

That’s one part of the conversation. Another part of it is that persons with disabilities must also be able to prove themselves. Recall that I said I was writing the church bulletin at the Pastor's Desk, the pastor's corner on the church bulletin. That was what the pastor was supposed to do but I was the one doing it. And I was also the secretary to the Men's group then. So, people with disabilities must be able to convince our society that they can really do what people think they cannot do on account of their disabilities status. Without this, the society, both inside and outside of the church environment, will see you as not able to do those things. You should be able to prove to them by doing those things, and not just doing, you should be able to go the extra mile. That’s what I always do and it has been working for me.

You are married to a sighted wife. How did that happened? How did she fall in love with you despite your visual impairment?

I was working in an oil company and she, at that time, was working with Ikeja Hotels. Ikeja Hotels happened to be the caterer supplying our lunch in the office. And so she, being one of their staff, I got to meet her on one occasion because she was the one that attended to me at the restaurant. But beyond the food menu, beyond the food level, when I was losing my sight rapidly,  connecting with the staff bus was becoming a challenge. So she offered to be helping me to navigate to the staff bus. This was also made possible because she, too, wanted to join the staff bus to enjoy the facility of transportation. She would come and pick me from my office and we would walk together to the staff bus. So, it all started with the staff bus, not even with the restaurant. From there, we started talking. She saw me as a big brother at the beginning. I must say that she had somebody she was dating then and she would come to me for advice about one or two things. And I always gave her my candid, unbiased advice. Yes, unbiased because the idea, at first,  was not to go into a relationship with her; but along the line, we began to develop interest in each other. And something happened that For whatever reason, she fell out of the relationship with the brother. So I saw that as an opportunity to win her heart. That's how we got to meet and we started courting and it worked out to be a marriage at the end.

Some blind persons married to sighted spouses have tales of woes about their in-laws in terms of verbal and psychological abuse. What has been the relationship between you and your in-laws, is it cordial?

Fortunately for me, that seemed to be working out well, to the glory of God. Her mother knew me very well even before I met her. Her mother also worked where I was working. She’s late now. But we both worked in the office. I didn't know her then but she said she knew me. As a matter of fact, she was always the one telling everyone about "Ah, one boy in our office. He's a special fellow. He's a genius." And because of that, maybe because the mother knew me very well and had decided to market me to her family, I became very safe with the entire family. When she was alive, she was closer to me than to her daughter. We were so close that She could confide in me rather than with her daughter. But of course, I am aware of the situations in-laws of persons with disabilities treat them horribly and that should be discouraged. But I think it all depends on how you carry yourself as a PWD. If you present yourself as a loving, caring spouse who is able to meet with the demands of a matrimonial home, whether as the husband or the wife, there is every possibility that your in-laws will treat you well. We must be able to convince them beyond the ordinary. I had an experience when I was doing my Mass Communications program at Laspotech, which has now become a university. A lady, who was being proposed to by a visually impaired man, told me that if I was the one proposing, she would accept the proposal but that she could not accept it from this other fellow because he fell short of her expectation. The point I'm making is that we must be able to prove to the society that we are able. We must bring ourselves out of This beggarly attitude which has made the society to believe that the blind person can do nothing but to beg.

  

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