By Mutiu Abdullahi
Nigerian parents have been urged to prioritise the welfare and holistic development of their children by being responsive to their needs and creating supportive environments that allow them to thrive.
This charge was given by Family Therapist, Mrs. Ameenat Yunus-Ali, at the MAMLA Day event organised by the Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN), Lagos Chapter, in collaboration with the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos Branch, as part of activities marking the 2025 MAVIN Week in Ikeja.
Speaking on the theme “Breaking Barriers in Parenting with Disabilities,” Mrs. Yunus-Ali explained that parenting involves promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of a child from infancy to adulthood.
She noted that for parents with disabilities, this responsibility includes navigating societal stigma, advocating for inclusive systems, and building supportive networks that empower both parents and their children.
Mrs Yunus-Ali urged physically challenged parents to raise their children with love and compassion, avoiding the projection of their disabilities on their wards.
Also speaking, the Amirah of FOMWAN Lagos, Alhaja Serifat Ajagbe, highlighted the unique challenges parents with disabilities face, including societal bias, outdated stereotypes, and a lack of accessible support systems.
Alhaja Ajagbe appealed to the government, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to provide meaningful assistance that enables such parents to contribute effectively to national development.
In her remarks, the Amirah of MAVIN Lagos, Mrs. Ogunnowo Shakirah, said the programme is part of their annual week-long activities designed to showcase the relevance and resilience of visually impaired women.
Mrs Ogunnowo stressed that despite their challenges, they continue to fulfil their roles as mothers, wives, and responsible members of society.
Mrs. Ogunnowo encouraged parents not to see their children’s limitations as barriers but to help them discover their strengths and opportunities while providing the care and guidance needed to nurture confident and compassionate individuals.
The event also featured exhibitions of MAVIN members’ crafts and businesses, as well as demonstrations showing how visually impaired women cook and care for their children independently.
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