Time for change - disabilities in Nigeria - 6th January 2025

Joy Eseoghene Odiete was a celebrated singer in Nigeria. However, her son, Chinua, was born with cerebral palsy, which affects the brain, movement and communication.

Disability’s a social taboo in Nigeria and some people connect it to black magic. Therefore, many disabled children are unwanted or are hidden away.

Odiete’s husband left her to bring up Chinua alone and her friends cut her off. She swapped her singing career for a regular job.

However, Odiete didn’t want her son hidden, so she began posting videos of her singing to Chinua. She received hateful comments from internet trolls.

Odiete reacted by setting up Chinua Children Care Foundation, which provides financial help to similar families. It also campaigns for better education for disabled children. A 2019 law requires schools to support disabled children. However, the government hasn’t provided funds for this.

Former headteacher Oluwakemi Oluwakayode volunteers at Chinua Foundation. Her daughter, Oluwaponmile, was born with cerebral palsy. When Oluwaponmile attended a private school, other parents raised complaints and threatened to remove their children.

Oluwakayode’s forced to educate her daughter with the help of a tablet. At the foundation, she advises other parents who care for disabled children.

Odiete’s made a new recording of her hit song ‘Kuchi Kuchi’ which demands support for Nigerian Special Mothers and their children.