… Kogi First Lady Receive Special Merit Award for her outstanding contributions to PWDs.
The Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, today received a Special Merit Award for her outstanding contributions to the support of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This is as the Kogi State Health Insurance, promised to enroll 16 vulnerable children at the Daratola Supportive Foundation into the State Health Insurance Scheme.
Similarly, the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency, (KGCSDA) approved the construction of a Disability Center also for the Daratola Supportive Foundation.
The award for the Kogi State First Lady and support to the Daratola Supportive Foundation was made at the celebration of the International Day For Persons with Disabilities, organized by the Daratola Supportive Foundation.
Speaking at the event,, the Executive Secretary, KSHIA, Dr. Adekunle Aledare, represented by Pharm. Ken Ameh, assured of it willingness to offer free Medical Care to the centre, disclosed that it aligns with the vision of the Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo’s administration for vulnerable persons in the State.
In his remarks, Mallam Momoh Dauda, General Manager, Kogi State Community and Social Development, praised the efforts of the Foundation, assuring that following the good work of Daratola Supportive Foundation, with the submission of the request, will intervene in helping to build a permanent place for the foundation.
In his remarks, Simeon Onakpa, Secretary, Christian Pilgrimage Commission, urged for support for the foundation, maintaining that the care and provision for vulnerable children with special needs, requires special attention and funding, urged well meaning individuals to show support that will ease the burden of the foundation.
In her remarks, Dr. P.F. Medupin and Dr. Onifade, in their separate presentation, urged for care for vulnerable children, pointing out that the era of seeing Cerebral Palsy as deformity caused by witchcraft nor mothers as most misconstrued, explained that Cerebral Palsy, is a problem affecting brain at early stage of birth, cautioned mothers to avoid smoking and drinking during pregnancy.
They medical experts urged for proper treatment of meningitis and jaundice, said parents should ensure that babies take in enough glucose, pointing out that it also lead to Cerebral Palsy, called for government intervention in building and support to vulnerable children and their homes.
In her remarks, Mrs Toyin Toluhi Olaleye, Executive Director, Daratola Supportive Foundation, said she was moved with passion to support children with disabilities, solicited support in building a permanent place as well as other support for children living with disabilities.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of Special Merit Award to the Kogi First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, by Daratola Supportive Foundation,
for her outstanding contributions to the support of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations held in Lokoja, was organized by Daratola Supportive Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Office of the Deputy Speaker (Kogi State House of Assembly), Ministry of Women Affairs, Kogi State Polytechnic, and the Kogi State Community & Social Development Agency.
The International Day For Persons with Disabilities is a global event observed annually on December 3. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Daratola Children Home is located behind former AEDC Regional Office, Tunde Ogbeha Road, GRA, Lokoja