Over twenty-five thousand children reportedly living with physical challenges are currently going through special education in various schools across Nigeria while about fifty thousand, twice the quoted figure are estimated to lack access to befitting education.
A Consultant Pediatric Ophthalmologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital UITH, Dr. Dupe Ademola-Popoola who spoke to AIT in Ilorin the State capital said 80% of the deformities are preventable if diagnosed on time, saying early detection of these deformities in children can be prevented at birth.
Dr Dupe Ademola and Usman Yahaya a parent of a child living with down syndrome noted that down syndrome carriers are useful members of the society.
They posited that down syndrome carriers contribute to the development of the Nation’s economy, hence the need to curb all forms of discrimination against them.
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The saying that “there is ability in disability” captures the lives of Dayo Yahaya, a professional Hair Stylist, and a driver and proud owner of a car wash business Emmanuel Dada who specializes in Photography with great passion for music.
Usman Yahaya the proud father of Dayo Yahaya however encourages parents whose children have down syndrome to enroll them for vocational training that is less stressful
As it stands, hope is not lost for carriers of down syndrome as they can arguably be made useful members of the society.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
