The OjayAjaifia Foundation for Children with Disabilities (OFCD), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), says it will formally launch its programmes to expand access to education and healthcare for children living with disabilities on September 27 in Abuja.
The foundation, established in April this year, said the launch will present its vision and strategic roadmap to the public while building partnerships with individuals, government agencies, and civil society groups.
At a pre-launch event held on August 19, stakeholders and representatives of civil society organisations were briefed on projects already undertaken by the group.
These included a medical outreach in May and an initiative in June tagged ‘Possibility Through Art’, which sought to promote creativity and self-expression among children with disabilities.
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The foundation also said it has carried out medical support at the Karmajiji colony of persons with disabilities (PWDs), introduced community training in seizure and cardiac arrest response, and provided assistance to pupils at Hope Centre Inclusive School.
In a statement on Monday, Ojay Ajaifia, founder of the organisation, said the group is determined to demonstrate impact through practical interventions.
“Our early projects are evidence that this is not just about vision but about action. We have received strong encouragement during the pre-launch and are confident that with broader support, we can strengthen opportunities for children with disabilities in education, healthcare and community life,” Ajaifia said.
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At the Abuja event, Chike Churchill Okogwu, chief responsibility officer at the Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE), said groups working on disability inclusion must focus on collaboration and visibility.
He urged the foundation to “be loud and unapologetic” about its work, stressing that disability advocacy in Nigeria requires stronger voices and sustained engagement with policymakers.
OFCD said it has also taken up the sponsorship of Emmanuella, a 10-year-old girl with a disability, pledging to cover her education and welfare.
Disability rights activists have often highlighted the lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and assistive infrastructure as major obstacles for children with disabilities in Nigeria.
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Although the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act was signed into law in 2019, implementation has remained slow, with advocates urging more investment in inclusive policies.
The foundation said its September launch would mark the beginning of broader partnerships to complement government efforts and improve the welfare of children with disabilities across the country.
