Senator Bode Olajumoke, Reverend Paul Tioluwani-Lesekese, and Dr. Abib Olamitoye, the founder of Ibadan Central Hospital, have called for increased support for People with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups, such as widows and orphans, as the country approaches the Christmas festive season.

This appeal was made during the 35th edition of the Care People’s Foundation Annual Christmas Carnival, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday. The event aimed to bring joy to PWDs, widows, orphans, and other less-privileged individuals. During the carnival, 35 wheelchairs were donated to people living with disabilities.

A Personal Commitment to Disability Rights

Senator Olajumoke, who served as the Grand Patron of the Care People’s Foundation, expressed how emotionally moved he was by his interactions with PWDs. This emotional connection inspired him to sponsor a bill during his tenure in the Senate to end discrimination against PWDs in public buildings.

He recalled that when he was elected to represent Ondo North Senatorial District in 2007, he worked diligently on the bill for two years, which was eventually passed into law. He noted that the passage of this bill had a positive impact on the lives of PWDs nationwide.

A Legacy of Giving Back

The Care People’s Foundation, led by Reverend Paul Tioluwani-Lesekese, has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals for 35 years. Reverend Tioluwani-Lesekese, along with his wife, Barrister Favour Tioluwani-Lesekese, has organized this annual event consistently for over three decades, providing much-needed items such as wheelchairs, foodstuffs, sewing machines, and pepper-grinding machines to widows, orphans, and less-privileged Nigerians.

In his speech, Reverend Tioluwani-Lesekese emphasized that the foundation’s mission is to bring joy and hope to the most vulnerable Nigerians, especially during the holiday season. He also appealed to both Nigerian citizens and government officials to increase their support for PWDs. One of his key suggestions was for the government to make education free for PWDs to ensure they lead a decent standard of living.

A Call to the Wealthy and Government

In his remarks, Reverend Tioluwani-Lesekese lamented the lack of compassion among some affluent Nigerians. He urged wealthy individuals, particularly senators and members of the House of Representatives, to go beyond politics and take concrete steps to help the poor and physically challenged. He firmly believed that if more people in power supported initiatives like the Care People’s Foundation, society would be better for it.

Dr. Abib Olamitoye’s Support for PWDs

Dr. Abib Olamitoye echoed the sentiment of support for PWDs, emphasizing that disabilities were not the fault of the individuals who lived with them. He urged Nigerians, especially the well-to-do, to extend a helping hand to PWDs and assist them in leading decent lives. Dr. Olamitoye reminded the audience that supporting the disabled and disadvantaged would be a blessed action, saying, “As you do so, God will continue to uplift you.”

Conclusion

The 35th Annual Christmas Carnival organized by Care People’s Foundation served as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, particularly PWDs, widows, and orphans. The generosity displayed at the event, including the donation of wheelchairs and other essential items, provides hope and demonstrates the profound impact of community-driven initiatives.

Both public figures and private citizens were called upon to prioritize the welfare of those in need, ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians do not feel forgotten, especially as the nation moves into the Christmas season.