His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), the Soun of Ogbomoso, has promised to help OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to advance the inclusion and rights of people with disabilities (PwDs).
During a handicap Awareness and Remembrance Rally in honor of Toyitan Abigail, a late child with a handicap whose story continues to inspire advocacy for inclusion in the region, the king made the pledge while hosting a delegation from the NGO at his palace in Ogbomoso.
Schools, civil society organizations, and community members came together for the event, which was organized by OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families of people with disabilities. The purpose of the gathering was to promote inclusivity, increase awareness, and honor PwDs’ tenacity.
Calling for greater resources, rights, and recognition for the disability community, participants marched through key locations in Ogbomoso, such as the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Takie Junction, Oke-Elerin Junction, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Soun’s Palace, and Oja Igbo.
Oba Olaoye welcomed the delegation and assured them of ongoing royal support, calling the NGO’s work “noble and necessary.”
“What you’re doing is admirable and touching. We will continue to provide you with financial and moral support. I hope and pray that your vision is realized. We all gain from anything that helps the community. You’ll be OK with it,” the king remarked.
Speaking during the occasion, OAKonsult’s CEO, Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye, stated that the demonstration was a component of the organization’s endeavor to promote inclusiveness in governmental, religious, and community spheres.
The goal of OAKonsult, according to Adeloye, who started the organization after losing a kid with a disability, is based on empathy and firsthand knowledge.
With an emphasis on children and youth with special needs, OAKonsult has been working with schools, households, and individuals throughout the Southwest since 2021. We offer awareness campaigns, equipment, and capacity-building, particularly in faith-based organizations where inclusion is frequently disregarded,” she said.
She claims that the organization’s mission is to provide a “holistic support system” that empowers families and communities to effectively raise disabled children while allowing them to flourish in love and dignity.
Adeloye also called for assistance in finishing the OAK PRIME Centre, a specially designed building in Oolo, Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso that will offer learning, therapy, and rehabilitation to kids and young people with impairments.
According to Prince Deji Irawo, a member of the NGO’s advisory board, the project embodies their larger goal to
