Disabled children in Nigeria - 6th January 2025

Joy Eseoghene Odiete used to be a well-known singer in Nigeria. Then, when her son was born, things changed. From birth, Chinua was disabled. Because it’s a taboo subject, people in Nigeria are often afraid of disability.

Some parents give up their disabled children or hide them inside. Odiete’s husband left her and her friends disappeared. She quit singing and found a normal job.

Odiete needed to take care of Chinua, but she didn’t want to hide him. She decided to sing to Chinua in videos which she put on social media.

Odiete’s created Chinua Children Care Foundation to support other families like hers. The foundation offers money to poor families with disabled children.

Disabled children only received educational support in Nigeria after a new law in 2019. But few schools provide any education for disabled children.

Oluwakemi Oluwakoyode’s a mother who helps at the foundation. She used to be a headteacher. Her disabled daughter, Oluwapomile, was going to a private school,but other parents complained.

Oluwaponmile’s mother now teaches her at home using a tablet. Through the foundation, Oluwakayode trains other parents to care for their disabled children.

Odiete’s re-recorded her best known song, ‘Kuchi Kuchi’ The new recording pushes for better conditions for these children and their mothers.