By editor
The Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University (TU), Sabo, Yaba, Prof. Clement Kolawole, has expressed the institution’s commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity through its maiden community service initiative in support of persons with cerebral palsy.
Kolawole made the assertion on Thursday at a reception hosted by the institution after a charity walk organised by Magnificent Therapy Services to raise awareness and support for people with the condition.
The walk tagged, “Cerebral Palsy awareness campaign, 2025 edition”, was organised in collaboration with Magnificent Therapy Services, Sabo, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Trinity University with the theme, “Get involved”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the charity walk, which began at Yaba LCDA Secretariat, had parents, children with cerebral palsy, forms of disability, caregivers, and stakeholders in attendance.
it ended at the TU City Campus.
Magnificent Therapy Services, is an educational and intervention organisation that cares for children with special needs, developmental challenges, administer therapy for children with Autism spectrum disorders, comorbidity features, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia and Deletion syndrome.
Kolawole said the university considered the programme part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the community, describing it as an avenue to promote empathy, inclusion, and awareness for all.
“At Trinity University, we value diversity, inclusivity, and the empowerment of all individuals, regardless of their abilities,” he said, commending participants for their solidarity.
The Vice-Chancellor also celebrated the courage of persons living with cerebral palsy, noting that their presence was “a testament to their strength and refusal to let disability define them.”
As part of the event, the university’s Vice-Chancellor announced a donation of ₦100,000 as its modest contribution to the cause, while commending the foundation for their tireless efforts and vision to promote inclusion.
Kolawole further called on government agencies, philanthropists, and the media to continue supporting initiatives that empowered individuals with disabilities, saying, “Together, we can build an inclusive society where everyone thrives”.
In his remark, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, described cerebral palsy as a story of resilience and creativity.
Keshinro said that the charity walk symbolised courage, compassion, and change, celebrating the strength of children and families living with the condition.
He emphasised that awareness alone was not enough,and explained that awareness opened the eyes while involvement opened the heart.
He urged everyone to take consistent action toward inclusion and acceptance every day.
The commandant encouraged the public to volunteer their time, voice, and compassion, noting that even small efforts could transform one person’s world and create lasting hope within their communities.
According to her, many children with disabilities attend school or learn skills and they possess great potential and excel remarkably when their abilities are recognised and properly nurtured.
Similarly, Mr Kilani Akeem, Director, Social Development Integration, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, expressed delight at the initiative of Trinity University in advocating and promoting inclusion, raising cerebral palsy awareness, and fostering empathy toward persons with disabilities.
Akeem pointed out that the university had distinguished itself by demonstrating genuine concern for social inclusion, thereby setting a standard for other institutions to emulate in supporting persons with disabilities.
“I’m impressed with Trinity University for deeming it fit to execute its social responsibility at the community level, and by extension donating money to support the children.
“This is highly commendable and worthy of emulation,” he added.
He added that initiatives like this reinforced the message that disability was not inability, but a call for understanding, acceptance, and collaboration to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Highlights of the day was the children dancing with placards written, “Get involved’: be a Cerebral Palsy advocate today”, “I support a walk for Cerebral Palsy walk awareness campaign” and “Cerebral Palsy is not a curse”.