When Kogi First Lady raised funds for cerebral palsy patients
It was the official launch and fundraising of the Hayat Foundation Institute for Special Needs Children, founded by the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Amina Oyiza Bello. The event, which attracted the crème de la crème of the country, was organised to impact the lives of cerebral palsy patients. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects the mental and physical functions of its victims.
The event, titled, “Celebrating the Hidden Faces,” was an opportunity to highlight many of the problems concerning cerebral palsy, which is plaguing the country, and what could be done to better the lives of patients.
Among those who attended the event are the wife of the president, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the former First Lady of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alayangi Silva; the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Mongonu.
Notable speeches were presented by Folorunsho Alakija and a representative from John Hopkins University, Anna McCartney-Melstad.
Hajiya Oyiza Bello kicked off the event with an emotional welcome address, highlighting the challenges she and her husband encountered while taking care of their son, Hayatullah, who is also a victim of cerebral palsy.
“I couldn’t come to terms that my son was born with a neurological challenge that we would have to deal with for the rest of our lives. This was a child born into a superstitious African society, where such children are welcomed into their families with hate, resentment and social stigma. It was a bitter pill to swallow. But thanks to the almighty Allah, we found the inner resolve to raise our child.
“It was the beginning of a journey towards finding closure. We travelled from one country to another in search of a solution for our son. Everywhere abroad, the receptiveness to our son’s condition was unbelievable. Everywhere we went, they treated us like normal human beings, even more special and important. But back home in Nigeria, it was not the same.
“I have been blessed to have a husband who is very supportive, caring and understanding, to say the least. My husband put his feet down and insisted that as my first son, Hayat would remain special to me. His Excellency was always proud of Hayat’s academic progress and improvement in his social interactions and skills. He has indeed shown me how to turn lemons into lemonade. Today, nothing would have been possible without his support to this noble cause,” the First Lady said.
She further shared her story on how the foundation was conceived. “I got inspired by the story of the former president of the United States, the late John F. Kennedy, and Krieger. Their vision pioneered the Kennedy Krieger Institute; so I felt that if we all run away from Nigeria in search of comfort elsewhere, who would be the change maker? I resolved to come back home and become the change I wanted to see in Nigeria. That was how the Hayat Foundation was conceived.
“Since its establishment last year, the foundation has remained committed to the vision of serving as a vehicle to protect the interests of children with special needs. One of the objectives we seek to achieve is to spread love and share more information on the myths and realities of cerebral palsy and other disabilities. More than 3.5 million people are affected by it.
“The fundraising event is aimed at lending a hand towards our commitment to building the Hayat Foundation Institute for Special Needs Children; a Pan African Institute that will bring about positive change in the lives of Africans with cerebral palsy and other forms of disability,” she said.
She appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the National Disability Bill into law so as to give those with disabilities a sense of importance and belonging in the society.
In her keynote address, Folorunsho Alakija, the vice chairperson of an oil exploration company, Famfa Oil, lauded the objectives and vision of the Hayat Foundation Institute.
“When I first received a call from Her Excellency, I was moved by her rare passion for this worthy cause, and without any hesitation, I took a keen interest and made a personal decision to be a part of this marvelous initiative.
“Cerebral palsy is one of the most common disabilities in childhood, as well as one of the least understood. According to the world cerebral palsy day website, it is estimated that almost 70 million people live with the condition, and 350 million families, friends and supporters care for them. Cerebral palsy is still largely treated with a lot of ignorance and social stigmatisation. The time has come for us to embrace our shared humanity and reach out to our brothers and sisters with special needs,” Alakija said.
Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended the efforts and strength displayed by the chief hostess. “Every woman and mother today should stand up to celebrate Mrs. Amina Bello for her courage, tenacity and contribution to humanity by displaying her son. I am indeed touched to my soul and bones. The first family in Kogi State has actually challenged me and a lot of parents who are hiding their assets and energy,” the traditional ruler said.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of Hayat Foundation by the chief launchers, Governor Yahaya Bello and his wife, Hajiya Amina Oyiza, with their son, Hayatullah, accompanied by Hajiya Hafiza Bello; the wife of Kaduna State governor, Hajiya Aisha el-Rufa’I; the Ooni of Ife and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Governor Bello reiterated their resolve to use their son as a positive impact to the lives of other people living with disabilities.
“Today is one of the happiest moments of my life. Sincerely speaking, I don’t know how to show my appreciation to all of you for coming to grace this wonderful occasion. I thank Hayatullah Bello for who he is to my family, the world and I. It is never easy to have a child with special needs. Not in this part of the world when the society does not recognise children or persons living with disabilities. I don’t know how to express my appreciation to all the royal fathers here today; for making the time and the support you have given to all of us. That is why we have decided that we should bring him out, not only to celebrate him but also to touch the lives of other children within the country and across the world with cerebral palsy, autism and all forms of disability,’’ he said.
He also thanked those who donated towards the cause and promised that every kobo and material given would be used judiciously to touch those living with disabilities.
Other dignitaries present were the deputy governor of Kogi State, Simeon Achuba; His Royal Highness, the Atta of Igala, Michael Ameh Obom; chief of staff to the Kogi State governor, David Onoja; speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole; chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari; the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim; wife of the Nasarawa State governor, Hajiya Mairo Almakura; national organising secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Osita Izunaso; ministers; commissioners; permanent secretaries and senior special assistants at the state and federal levels.