The Lagos State Government on Thursday hosted a quiz competition among students with special needs. Such students were drawn from primary and secondary schools across the state.
This is as it assured that it would support children with special needs in the state to achieve their full potentialities, learn under conducive environment, create a healthy rivalry and discover their innate abilities.
The government also revealed that it was working towards equipping all special schools and inclusive units across the State.
Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo disclosed this at 2019 Quiz Competition for Children with Special Needs held at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.
Mrs Adefisayo stated that the competition was introduced by the State Government to broaden the horizon of these pupils, adding that the event is tailored towards giving physically challenged children in all the Special Schools and Inclusive Units a sense of belonging, encouraging them to discover their innate abilities, thereby preparing them for a better future.
EduCeleb.com reports that a special needs child is one who has been determined to require special attention and specific necessities that other children do not. About 25 million of Nigeria’s population are persons with special needs and among them are about 1.5 million children, according to the United Nations.
In her address, the Commissioner reaffirmed the resolve of the Lagos State Government under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at integrating students living with disabilities into the society and empower them with skills that would instill confidence in them in a way that they can contribute to national growth.
“I urge you not to feel rejected or dejected, the government of Lagos State under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is determined to help you achieve your dreams and aspirations”, she said.
Adefisayo lauded the efforts of Teachers and Handlers of the children for selflessly taking care of them and preparing them for the competition, and appeal to them not to relent in their efforts, while charging them to be more committed and proactive.
The duo of Adesesan Adesewa and Ajayi Ayomide from of Lagos State Senior Model College, Agbowa-Ikosi clinched the star prize in the Senior Secondary school category, while in the junior category, Adekoya Mistura and Bakare Oluwafemi of Agbowa Junior, Agbowa-Ikosi took the first position beating Hubvovu Jeremiah and Boye Deborah of Methodist Junior School, Badagry and Alli Sofiat and Ayedara Victoria of State Junior School, Surulere to second and third positions respectively.
In the Primary Schools’ category, Adamson Pelumi and Olushola Samuel of Local Government Primary School, Ipakodo, came first while Odum Olive and Popoola Aminat of Wesley Senior 1, for Hearing Impaired, Surulere and Dodode Emmanuel and Adewusi Taiwo of Maryland Pry School, Maryland emerged as second and third positions.
All the participants and winners were given trophies, gifts and certificate of participation.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Abosede Adelaja commended the participating schools for their boldness, self confidence and self esteem exhibited during the preliminaries up to the final stage. She charged the students to be focused, urging them to put more efforts towards achieving great feats for themselves.
Mrs Adelaja implored parents with special children to support them with the desired needs in realizing their dreams, adding that as a concerned government, the State Government holds these children in high esteem.
