By Oyebola Owolabi
To commemorate the 2021 International Disability Day, the Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation (ICCF), a Non-Profit Organisation, which has been at the forefront in advocating for the rights of persons, especially children, living with disabilities, held a special culinary ability parade and award for young adults with intellectual disabilities. OYEBOLA OWOLABI reports that the life-changing experience brought out the best in the participants and their parents.
Taiwo Sanni, 27, has Down syndrome and lacks speech; Damien Anaedum, 22, suffers from Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Victor Adeyele, 20, Gbemisola Ojumu, 20, and Okikiola Adesola, 19, battle Cerebral Palsy (CP). Gbemisola and Okikiola have been in wheelchairs all their lives. These people represent a part of the population we really don’t like to see or interact with because they are different. They have the appearance of children, and actually, behave as one, and you are tempted to describe them as so until you hear their real ages. It is not their making, they just happen to be different from others.
Some are physical while others are intellectual; they, throughout their lifetime, are dependent on others. This is the story of persons living with disabilities.
These people, however, proved to the world that they are not disabled, but able in a different way, when they took centre stage to showcase their cooking abilities at the culinary ability parade and award for young adults with intellectual disabilities, organised by the Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, to commemorate the 2021 International Disability Day. Iyaniwura is run by Mrs. Mathilda Otitoloju.
The contest itself started in August with various training, especially for the parents, who had to take their children to the market to buy condiments and guide them through the whole cooking process, all the while doing a video recording which was sent to Iyaniwura foundation. This happened every weekend, until the culmination on December 12.
Of the 26 participants in the cooking parade, Taiwo came first and went home with N70,000. The second and third place winners went home with N50,000 and N30,000 each. Their efforts excited their parents, and they confessed to experiencing joy on another level. They appreciated Iyaniwura for encouraging them and helping their children live to their full potentials.
Mrs. Idiat Sanni, who is Taiwo’s mum, said: “I knew about this programme through the Iyaniwura Foundation. Iyaniwura is a mother who has a passion for all these children. When I had Taiwo and her twin, I was ignorant about Down Syndrome but I realised Taiwo didn’t achieve her milestones, unlike her brother. Taiwo’s neck didn’t stand firm but I believed all would be well. And because I’d never seen the resemblance of any down syndrome, I kept her at home until a friend of mine saw a special school at the National Orthopedic Hospital and I enrolled her there.
“When I had her I wasn’t told she was a special child. Society didn’t accept her and this delayed her education. Maybe she would have had speech if I had allowed her to mix with other children, but I am still grateful to God for how everything has turned out so far. I am happy that my source of sadness has today made me happy.
“I was afraid when Iyaniwura told me to allow her to start cooking but here she is today as winner of the cooking parade. I am elated. I would also urge mothers like me to embrace their children because nothing is impossible. These children can do wonders only if we allow them by teaching and nurturing them in love.”
Victor’s mum, Mrs. Oluwakemi Otubanjo, could not also hide her excitement about the programme and her son’s special ability. She was full of praises and prayers for Iyaniwura. She said: “I came here to support my son for the final cooking contest organised by Iyaniwura Foundation. My 20-year-old son has Cerebral Palsy (CP) but I have never allowed him to have any dull moments. He cooks, does his chores, and prepares his meal. But today is a big one for him and me, and I am elated that he is able to showcase his abilities.
“A big gratitude to Iyaniwura Foundation and her household, may the Lord continue to bless her because she has shown us the light.
“I was neglected and rejected with my son when I had him, even his father abandoned us but, today, I am so happy for his life. He can do what others are doing, albeit in his own special way.
Muyiwa Ojumu, who is Gbemisola’s father, praised Iyaniwura for finding his daughter worthy to be celebrated. “People have the belief that those with disabilities can’t do anything. But this programme has proven them wrong. Gbemisola has been in the wheelchair since we had her; she has never walked but look at what this cooking parade has done for her.”
For Mrs. Funmilola Adesola, who is Okikiola’s mother, nothing excites her more than the fact that the children got more exposure, and also the parents gained more knowledge on how to further help the children.
She said: “This is a very good programme and I am grateful to Iyaniwura for further enlightening us on how to help the children.
Okikiola was not born like this, the incident which confined her to the wheelchair happened when she was about one year old, and I’ve been caring for and loving her since then. My Okiki is hardworking; she cooks and even operates the gas cooker.
“I would advise other parents like me not to keep such children indoors but allow them to move with their peers. These children are now exposed and they are always excited when they hear of events like this.”
Damien’s mum, Mrs. Franca Anaedum, was elated at him showcasing his ability. ‘It shows that everything I have been teaching him is not wasted,’ she said.
“I feel great seeing him showcase what I’ve been teaching him. I’m proud of what God has given me. Damien is a twin and anytime I’m teaching his twin brother, I always carry him along. I’m happy he did well today. When I first had him it was like the end of the world, but I thank God today. I also thank my friend, Dr. Tunrayo, a psychiatrist, who keeps supporting, counselling, and encouraging me.
“My advice to parents out there is that they should be proud of their children always. They should be supportive. I don’t see any disability in Damien; I brought him up together with his siblings so he can be independent and useful to himself, his community, and country at large.”
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