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By Bukola Olajide
Wife of Kwara State Governor, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has distributed school sandals and reflective jackets to students of the Kwara State School for Special Needs in Ilorin, in an initiative aimed at improving the welfare, safety, and educational experience of children living with disabilities.
Addressing the students and guests, the First Lady said the gesture was designed to ease the burden on parents and guardians while promoting an inclusive Kwara. “These items go beyond comfort. They symbolize the Kwara we are building a state where every child, regardless of background, can walk into the classroom with confidence, ready to learn, dream, and excel,” she said.
She stressed that educating children with special needs requires recognising individual differences and providing tailored interventions. “You are all special and unique in your own ways, and I commend your teachers for bringing your individuality to bear in their teaching,” the First Lady added.
On government support, she gave an assurance that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq remains committed to repositioning the school for excellence through improved infrastructure, provision of school buses, upgraded classrooms and health facilities, and the supply of instructional materials.
She also called on public-spirited individuals and organisations to complement government efforts, urging students to embrace discipline and available opportunities. She further reminded school authorities of the need to protect vulnerable students, stressing that “there is zero tolerance for any form of abuse in Kwara State.”
Responding, the Principal of the school, Hajiyah Rasheedat Jibril, expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful:
“This thoughtful gesture will go a long way in empowering our children and giving them confidence to grow and contribute to society,” she said, adding that the initiative reflects the First Lady’s commitment to inclusive education and the dignity of persons with disabilities.
On his part, the Kwara Sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Mufutau Irekeola, said the initiative aligns with the Corps’ focus on vulnerable groups. “Our interaction with the students revealed their curiosity and intelligence, and it reinforces the need to create a safe and friendly environment for them,” he said.
In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Imam, commended the First Lady’s sustained interventions: “Today is a reminder that you are seen, valued, and loved. Believe in yourselves, dream boldly, and know that many hearts are committed to your success,” she told the students.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Head Boy, Yusuf Asimu, expressed gratitude to the First Lady, saying, “This gesture will greatly improve our movement and safety, and it has boosted our confidence to learn and excel.”
