FMCA Marks World Cerebral Palsy Day, Advocates Inclusion and Support
Tuesday, 7th October 2025.
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, has joined the global community to commemorate this year’s World Cerebral Palsy Day, calling for greater awareness, care, and inclusion for children living with the condition.
The event, themed “Unique and United,” organized by the Physiotherapy Department in conjunction with Caring Hands and Child Initiative, brought together healthcare professionals, caregivers, parents, and other stakeholders committed to improving the quality of life for persons with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
In his address, the Acting Medical Director, Dr. Adekunle Adediran commended parents and caregivers for their resilience and dedication, urging them never to give up on their children.
Dr. Adediran noted that when children with CP are given the right and necessary support, the sky will not be their limit.
The Head of the Physiotherapy Department, Dr. Olayinka Lateef thanked attendees and appealed to parents to partner closely with the department to enhance the lives of their children through consistent therapy and rehabilitation support.
In her keynote lecture, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Agboke of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, described cerebral palsy as one of the most common motor disabilities in childhood, noting that it comprises permanent movement disorders such as spastic, ataxic, and dyskinetic types.
She stressed that early diagnosis and therapy are key to improving a child’s independence and overall well-being.
Other speakers emphasized the importance of empathy, teamwork, and societal support for families of children living with CP.
They called on government and private organizations to create more inclusive programs and policies that promote accessibility and social integration.
The Chairman of the event, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Dr. Alhaji M. Ola Yusuf, alongside Prof. Ade Onajobi, made generous donations to support parents of children with cerebral palsy.
Some parents shared inspiring testimonies about their children’s developmental progress through continuous therapy.
Deputy director Physiotherapy department and coordinator of Caring hands Initiative Dr Mrs Davis in her vote of thanks appreciated everyone for their contributions towards the success of the event, while assuring parents of the children continued support and quality service delivery whenever they come for clinic.
By Aminat O. Orunsolu, Kunle Orire, Yemi Adeyemi & Mistura Sanusi (Information and Public Relations Department).