The IREDE Foundation is calling on both the Federal and State Governments to implement the disability law comprehensively, emphasizing the need for inclusive budgeting for children with disabilities. This initiative aims to ensure these children can access the same rights and privileges as their peers.
Mrs. Crystal Chigbu, founder of The IREDE Foundation, made this appeal during a recent partnership ceremony with Action for Change and Empowerment held in Lagos. She highlighted that this call aligns with the principle of prioritizing the “Best Interest of a Child,” as stated in the Child’s Rights Act of Nigeria.
Chigbu reaffirmed IREDE’s commitment to empowering child amputees and their families, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives. “This singular mission drives our organization to continue providing prosthetic limbs and fostering champions across Nigeria. Over the past 12 years, we have successfully fitted over 500 child amputees with limbs, and we aim to further enhance the life chances of these children, ensuring their condition does not limit their potential,” she explained.
During the ceremony, three child amputees from Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo States received new limbs, allowing them to return to school and regain their independence. Chigbu noted that, in the 2024 program year alone, the foundation has supported child amputees with 300 prosthetic limbs.
“We urge compassionate Nigerians to help all children with disabilities thrive in society through referrals and financial partnerships. Action for Change and Empowerment has generously supported us with approximately N9 million. More importantly, it’s heartening to witness these children engage in activities they love again, such as riding bicycles,” she added.
Chigbu mentioned that Action for Change and Empowerment had previously sponsored support for six affected children from 2023 to 2024 and expressed hope for the continuation of this partnership. “Our success stories should inspire further action. We still have more limbs to distribute and plan to conduct awareness campaigns across the six districts of Lagos State. These campaigns will educate children about disabilities and promote understanding through engaging comic books,” she stated.
Mr. Yemi Edun, Director of Action for Change and Empowerment, emphasized his organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable and indigent populations, particularly children, regardless of their backgrounds. He noted that Action for Change and Empowerment has invested over £500,000 in various development projects in Nigeria aimed at low-income and vulnerable groups.
“Today, we are here to witness the beneficiaries receiving prosthetic limbs through The IREDE Foundation and to hear their testimonies about the impact we’ve made in their lives. So far, we have provided 10 limbs to children in need, and we are dedicated to doing more for humanity as long as resources allow,” Edun assured.
