The Lagos State Government on Thursday organised a groundbreaking EPIC (Early Pathway to Inclusive Care)–BAWOP (Build a World of Play) Play Fair aimed at promoting early identification, inclusion and holistic care for children living with disabilities. The event, held at Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, brought together more than 4,000 pupils from public primary schools, alongside health professionals, therapists, teachers and caregivers.

The fair, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), served as both a play-based medical outreach and an inclusive social experience, providing fun, screening, early support and stigma reduction for children with varying developmental, mobility, sensory and learning challenges.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the initiative as a powerful reminder that children thrive when given opportunities to play, connect and feel valued. She said the joyful atmosphere affirmed the importance of dedicating time and resources to nurture the state’s youngest residents, especially those with special needs.

Dr. Ogunyemi noted that the excitement displayed by the children demonstrated the impact of creating safe spaces where they can express themselves freely. She added that the organisers deserved commendation for bringing together resources, expertise and goodwill from far and wide to make the children feel loved, supported and included.

The Special Adviser emphasized that play is not merely recreational but an essential element of healthy childhood development, supporting mental wellbeing, social awareness and emotional balance. According to her, “when we come down to their level and create fun moments away from the challenges they face, we give these children something healthy for their minds, their confidence, and their sense of belonging.”

Dr. Ogunyemi added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains deeply committed to disability inclusion and will be proud of the collaborative efforts displayed at the event. She expressed hope that the initiative would extend to other parts of the state so children who could not attend would also benefit.

Earlier, the Director of Special Projects and Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, said the EPIC initiative—Early Pathway to Inclusive Care—was designed to identify and support children living with disabilities from birth to age 10 through early screening and linkage to appropriate interventions. He explained that the Play Fair format was intentionally crafted to create a stigma-free environment for children with and without disabilities to interact naturally.

Dr. Ajomale said the programme targets four major developmental domains: hearing impairment, vision challenges, mobility limitations and developmental delays. By embedding screening and documentation within a playful environment, he said, the project not only captures children who need support but also reduces stigma and fosters acceptance among peers.

He noted that the Ministry was working closely with SUBEB to ensure public primary schools are integrated into the process, with teachers assisting in supervision, safety and emotional support for participating pupils. He described the involvement of educators as critical, given their daily contact with the children.

According to him, Lagos is building a sustainable model for early identification, assistive technology support and medical intervention. “We want to ensure that children who require assistive technologies and therapeutic care can get them early,” he said. “Our hope is that as the state’s health insurance evolves, the needs of every child born with disabilities will eventually be covered.”

The director also commended the Special Adviser for joining the children on the dance floor, describing the moment as symbolic of true inclusion. He said her presence elevated the children’s morale and demonstrated leadership that embodies compassion and connection.

Acvording to the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the initiative was designed to give children, especially those with disabilities, opportunities to thrive through play, therapeutic activities and early intervention. CHAI described play as a powerful developmental tool that stimulates neural pathways and improves reflexes.

The organization added that early identification through initiatives like EPIC ensures that children receive timely medical care and assistive technologies, whether corrective or long-term. CHAI praised the Lagos State Government for its commitment and expressed confidence that the programme would expand across the state and into other Nigerian regions.

The organization says it remains committed to supporting the initiative to ensure that children with and without disabilities can learn, interact and grow together in inclusive environments.

The event also featured a tour of screening stations, inclusive play zones, sensory tents, creative art corners, mobility support demonstrations and music and dance arenas, where children enthusiastically participated regardless of their physical or developmental challenges.

Parents, teachers and facilitators who accompanied the children applauded the state government and partners for championing a programme that delights children while addressing critical health and developmental needs.

The Play Fair concluded with a photo session, as schools departed with renewed excitement and a strengthened sense of inclusion for their pupils.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest and Interesting News Across Nigeria and the World