MKO Foundation: ACCI Deputy DG, Adesugba, Others Call for Greater Support for Special-Needs Children, Caregivers
October 31, 2026
The Deputy Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Tinuke Temitope, has called for greater inclusion, understanding and support for children with special needs and their caregivers, stressing that caregivers’ emotional and physical well-being must receive equal attention.
She made the call while speaking at a gathering organised by the Mitcheal Kehinde Oluwadarasimi (MKO) Foundation for Special Needs and Caregivers, an initiative established to support children living with disabilities and the families caring for them. Speaking from personal experience, Dr. Temitope explained that the foundation was inspired by the life of her late son, Mitcheal, who developed cerebral palsy following medical complications reportedly attributed to medical mismanagement.
Mitcheal, born on October 23, 2011, passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 14. Dr. Temitope said the loss inspired her to transform her grief into a purposeful initiative that would offer encouragement, practical support and a sense of belonging to families navigating similar challenges. She noted that although attention is often focused on children with special needs, the emotional, physical and financial demands placed on their caregivers are frequently overlooked.
According to her, the foundation seeks to bridge this gap by recognising caregivers, promoting shared learning and supporting families dealing with the demands of special education and physical therapy. She also acknowledged the support of her husband, Mr. Samuel Temitope, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba and other family members throughout her journey. Despite the challenges of caregiving, she disclosed that she completed her master’s and doctoral degrees, demonstrating that caregiving responsibilities need not prevent individuals from pursuing their personal and professional aspirations.
Speaking on the foundation’s vision, Mitcheal’s father, Mr. Samuel Temitope, said the platform was conceived to bring parents and caregivers together to share experiences, exchange knowledge and access emotional support. He observed that many families raising children with disabilities experience isolation and carry substantial responsibilities without adequate assistance. He therefore called for stronger government intervention, improved infrastructure and institutional support to ease the burden on affected families.
Mr. Temitope also urged society to replace discrimination and stigmatisation with kindness, empathy and understanding, noting that practical assistance and emotional encouragement could make a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and their children.
The 1st Deputy President of ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, called for increased public awareness, education and community engagement to address stigma against children living with disabilities. He emphasised that children with special needs should understand that their conditions are not their fault, adding that education and awareness are essential to changing negative societal attitudes. He further urged caregivers to prioritise their mental and emotional health, warning that prolonged stress and burnout could create additional difficulties for families and communities.
Also speaking, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pathbridge Care Foundation, Mr. Abanum Ifesochi, highlighted the importance of caregivers’ mental health, drawing attention to the risks of physical, emotional and psychological exhaustion associated with prolonged caregiving. During a mental health session, he identified persistent tiredness, irritability, social withdrawal and poor concentration as possible signs of caregiver burnout.
He encouraged caregivers to practise self-care, establish support networks, take regular breaks and seek professional assistance when necessary. He stressed that seeking help should not be regarded as a sign of weakness but as an essential step towards sustainable caregiving. He also commended Dr. Temitope and the MKO Foundation for facilitating the mental health discussion.
The initiative stands as a tribute to Mitcheal Temitope, whose experience with cerebral palsy inspired his family to support others facing similar circumstances. By creating a platform for shared experiences, awareness and emotional support, the foundation seeks to strengthen families and promote a more inclusive society for children with special needs and their caregivers.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by one of the participating parents, who expressed appreciation to the MKO Foundation for creating a platform that recognises the experiences, challenges and needs of families caring for children with disabilities.
Edited by Rosemary Aiyenale
