The Irede Foundation on Tuesday marked the fifth year anniversary of its partnership with NNPCL/SNEPCo which had fostered the empowerment and inclusion of child amputees across the country. Newsmen reports that the fifth anniversary of the partnership marks the end of the “Back to School Project, “which began in 2018.
The anniversary was marked with a ‘Handover Event’ hosted at the NNPC/ SNEPCo Office in Lagos. The project had two fundamental goals: “To empower child amputees so that they can return and stay in school, increase disability awareness among children enrolled in public schools through the use of Irede foundation comic book, IREDIANS and the Out On A Limb Advocacy Walk.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of SNEPCo, Elohor Aiboni, expressed her delight at the success of the partnership. Aiboni said that the NNPC/SNEPCo’s unwavering support has led to the empowerment of child amputees and the distribution of copies of the ‘Iredian’ comic book across schools to advocate for children living with disabilities.
“Also we provided an upgraded orthotic device and mobility aid to a young teacher enabling him to continue teaching and inspiring his pupils. Promoted inclusion through direct and indirect outreach to millions of people through the Out -on- A -Limb Walk and upgraded the Irede foundation’ Prosthetic Limb Center for conducive limb production, fitting, and rehabilitation process,” Aiboni said.
She explained that the champions (Child Amputees) not only attend school but excel academically, demonstrating the impact of the partnership.
The Executive Director of Irede foundation, Crystal Chigbu, said that the partnership brought about amazing transformation in the life of the champions (child amputees). Chigbu said that through the partnership, access to quality inclusive education has been provided, dreams restored, and the spark of possibility ignited in the hearts of champions like Alliameen, Quadri, Simeon, and Deborah, among others.
According to her, the partnership has also increased disability awareness and influenced positive behavior among pupils in various schools. She said that 20 champions were sent back to school and were empowered with 23 prosthetic limbs during the duration of the project.
Also speaking, Wuraola Kayode, Programmes Lead at the Irede foundation, thanked the partners. NNPC/SNEPCO for believing and trusting in the foundation.
NAN reports that the event also featured champions who received support in 2023.
Also present at the event are dignitaries from SNEPCo, including Asaolu Ibiyemi (Asset Manager), Odugbesan Bamidele (Comms, Media, and NGO Relations Manager), Elohor Abu (Head SNEPCo SP), Jonathan Amakiri (Senior Asset Manager), and Asmau Wali (Business Adviser to MD).
Others included NIUMS dignitaries, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson (Deputy Manager External Affairs) and Mrs. Joy Eguahon (Senior Adviser Community Relations)
The Handover Event marked a significant milestone in the journey of empowerment, inclusion, and transformation, with Irede foundation and NNPC/SNEPCo committing to creating a more inclusive society for all.
