The Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home for Special Needs has appealed to governments at all levels and philanthropists for financial and material support to sustain the care of its 41 residents living with various disabilities.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the home, Mrs Elsie Akerele, made the appeal at a news conference in Lagos to herald the organisation’s 2026 Awareness Month, identifying feeding, regular medication and staff salaries as its major financial challenges.
Akerele said most of the residents were living with conditions such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy, requiring continuous care, medical attention and rehabilitation.
She explained that providing daily meals for the 41 residents, ensuring uninterrupted access to prescribed medications and meeting staff obligations had become increasingly challenging.
“Feeding 41 residents every day is a task that never ends.
“Second, almost all of our residents are on regular medication. Getting their drugs on time and in full is a daily headache,” she said.
The founder added that the home also needed to sustain its workforce, comprising 27 staff members and 13 dedicated volunteers, who provide care and support for the residents.
According to her, running the facility has been demanding but fulfilling, although the financial responsibilities have remained a source of concern.
Akerele identified food and nutritional supplies, drugs and medical support, staff welfare and salaries, as well as rehabilitation and therapy equipment as priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
She appealed to the Federal Government, state governments, local government authorities, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the home in improving the welfare of its residents.
The founder, however, expressed appreciation to organisations that had continued to support the facility, particularly the David Oyedepo Foundation, which provides monthly food supplies.
She also acknowledged contributions from Strong Pack Ltd., Beloxxi Industries Ltd., Guinness Nigeria Plc and Reliance Chemical Products Ltd., as well as individuals, churches and other well-wishers.
As part of activities marking the 2026 Awareness Month, Akerele announced that the home would organise a charity walk on Saturday, Nov. 7, around the Alaba International Market area in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
She said the walk was aimed at sensitising the public to the needs, abilities and rights of persons living with special needs.
According to her, a public seminar would also hold on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Ola-Oki Medical Centre, along Badagry Expressway, Ibereko, to educate the public on understanding, supporting and including children with special needs.
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She added that the residents would visit Crown City along Lusada Expressway on Nov. 19, while a talent and cultural exhibition would take place on Nov. 21.
Akerele said the activities were designed to promote public awareness, encourage inclusion and provide opportunities for residents to showcase their abilities.
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