Diaspora umbrella body, the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) is seeking Nigerians across the UK to volunteer to help with the proposed Disability Fund Day taking place on September 19.
Organised by CANUK, the event has been christened CANUK Disability Day and will take place at the Enfield Town Hall in North London. Several Nigerian charities and organisations that work with disabled people including the Pamela Douglas Foundation Worldwide, Ovo Foundation, Star Children Initiative and the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians are involved in organising it but CANUK needs more volunteers.
Expected to attract at least 50 Nigerians living with disabilities across the UK, the day has been designed to provide them with a range of activities and entertainment. Starting from 11am and lasting until 6pm, the event will have Nigerians with disabilities at the centre of its activities, with many of them performing on the day.
Special Educational Needs teacher - Morenike Oni, has been appointed as Head Volunteer on the day and has asked for anyone who can help to please come forward on the day. CANUK's component organisations have also been asked to supply at least one person.
Ms Oni said: "We would like as many people as possible to come forward and help on the day, so that all those who need help will have someone they can ask for assistance. We are urging all parents who bring their children with disabilities to stay with them but even then, they may need help with things like food, the lavatory or getting involved in the activities we have for them."
CANUK Disability Day 2015 flyer
CANUK Chairman - Babatunde Loye added: "We are expecting about 50 people with disabilities and when you add their parents and carers, the minimum number we should get should be about 200. If anyone has any experience with the disabled and wants to join us on the day, they are welcome."
Dr Ife Akintunde, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said he is confident that the event will be a huge success as it offers everything including entertainment, food, cultural displays, dancing and live performances from people living with disabilities. He added that it should mark a turning point in the attitudes of Nigerians and should make those living with disabilities in the UK to become more confident about themselves and refuse to accept the restrictions imposed on them.
"We are hoping that this marks a watershed and represents a turning point in our attitude towards disability as a people. Anyone who thinks they can help should please get in touch with me on 07817 734663 or by email at ifeolu.akintunde@ofnc.org.uk or email Ms Oni at eloho2006eng@hotmail.com and we will try and find a role for them."
Kate Anolue, the former Mayor of Enfield, added that hopefully, the event will empower the parents of children with disabilities to be more optimistic about the future of their offspring. She stressed that if they meet and interact with other parents facing similar situations, they will appreciate the fact that a lot of help and support is available and there is no shame in disability.