As I stood, brimming with smiles and watching in admiration as the kids dance to fun-filled music from DJ Success, the thoughts that crossed my mind was, “What if we hadn’t come?”  We had fun… Both children and facilitators were treated to a beautiful and fun-filled party that exhilarated and inspired them to celebrate life in spite of their conditions.

The decision to visit the Lagos State Rehabilitation Center, Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos, to celebrate Children’s day was impromptu as we had initially planned to visit one of the correctional homes as our custom is. Ahlaja Oseni, the Coordinator of the Children section of the centre was full of gratitude for the choice of the centre for the international children’s day celebration.

The Lagos State Rehabilitation centre, Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos State,  is a home for the destitute, mentally derailed and special children. It includes beggars and destitute picked up from the streets of Lagos, some of which consist of mentally derailed persons and children with autism and other special health cases. These people are well cared for and trained with relevant skills including fashion, craft, horticulture, catering etc.

The centre occupies a large expanse of land located on the Owutu-Isawo road of Ikorodu North-east of Lagos state is a special school funded by the state government and supported by generous individuals. The special school which was built to accommodate 500 special individuals, who would be trained and empowered in relevant skills is obviously achieving its aims. This initiative is achieving the efforts of the government in the reducing mental health crises and poverty which has made many homeless and destitute.

Speaking with one of the staff, the cost of running this facility is huge and majorly funded by the state government. However, the challenges are so enormous as provision of drugs always falls short of the requirements and this has been responsible for why some victims of mental health crisis relapse and some who were returned got worst than when they were discharged.

We are really impressed by what the government is doing in the area of the social welfare of the citizens and fostering a sane and healthy environment. We encourage NGOs and patriotic individuals to visit the special rehabilitation centre and support the government on this laudable project.

We are pleased to see the children celebrate the children’s day amidst fun and pageantry. Special thanks to the management of the school for the warm reception and partnership.

Special thanks to Mcdammy Foods who made the ocassion more exciting by surprising the children with a cake and drinks. A big shout to Fun planet who also spiced the occasion with amazing entertainment, I bet you, the children had the best time of their lives

Happy Children’s day to all children of the world, especially those special children.

Cheers!