Children with special needs at the Daniel Akintonde Model School For Children With Special Needs, Abeokuta, were treated to a memorable celebration ahead of Easter as the Femi and Mope Coker Foundation organised a funfair in their honour, reaffirming the importance of inclusion, love and support for vulnerable members of society.

The event, held within the school premises, drew dignitaries, caregivers and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate with the children in an atmosphere filled with excitement, laughter and shared humanity.

Speaking on behalf of the Coker family, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said the initiative was inspired by the enduring legacy of her late father, Chief Femi Coker, who during his lifetime hosted children with special needs annually at his farm in Odeda for Easter celebrations.

She explained that following his passing six years ago, the family resolved to sustain the tradition as a way of preserving his compassion-driven legacy, noting that the event represents a continuation of the values he stood for.

Dr. Coker stated that the choice of the Daniel Akintonde Model School for the maiden edition in Abeokuta was informed by proximity, adding that future editions would be expanded to accommodate children from other senatorial districts across Ogun State.

She emphasised that beyond the funfair, the initiative was designed to reinforce a message of love, inclusion and belonging, stressing that children with special needs must be recognised as important members of society with unique abilities and gifts.

Dr. Coker further called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the development of the school, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure, learning materials and specialised equipment, including physiotherapy facilities, to enhance the children’s learning experience.

In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola,  underscored the need to recognise children with special needs as valuable members of society who can grow into prominent roles when given adequate support.

He commended the Coker family for the initiative, noting that such gestures would inspire the children to continue striving for excellence while also encouraging others to contribute meaningfully to their development.

The monarch added that although such children may face certain limitations, they possess innate strengths that must be nurtured, stressing the importance of creating opportunities that will enable them to realise their full potential and contribute to the future of society.

Also speaking, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Florence Adetiba, expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the event as a revival of a long-standing tradition initiated by the late Chief Femi Coker, adding that the joy on the children’s faces underscored the importance of such gestures and reaffirmed that they are valued, seen and capable of achieving their full potential.