Help Needed for People with Disabilities

Afolashade Shona-Aluko, the founder of YASA Foundation, has called on Nigerians, government bodies, and businesses to support persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

She made this plea during a press conference on Tuesday. This comes ahead of the official launch of YASA Foundation, which is set for Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Shona-Aluko urged Nigerians to look past physical conditions and help those in need. She said support should be given out of compassion, not pity.

She stated, “Government has the resources to take care of these people, but it should reach out. I know its hands might be tied, but at the same time, it should try as much as possible to support those who are genuinely doing this work.”

“Let people living with disabilities feel loved. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds. You may not understand what another person is going through until you find yourself in that situation,” she added.

The founder also asked for help for the foundation through funding, programme sponsorship, technical assistance, capacity building, and advocacy.

She mentioned that some immediate needs of beneficiaries include wheelchairs and other assistive devices. She also noted that freezers are needed for some physically challenged individuals to start small businesses.

Shona-Aluko shared that her own experiences have helped her understand the struggles faced by persons with disabilities. She said nobody can predict what life will bring.

She said, “Nothing is too small to support somebody with disability. It is not only about disability; whatever you have in life, you can use it to help someone.”

“If you are waiting for the government to give you what you want, you are making a mistake. Everybody is important, and the little you have can save somebody’s life.”

Talking about the foundation’s work, Shona-Aluko said they have organized health outreach programs across Lagos State. They provide physiotherapy and speech therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

She noted that the foundation has also given out white canes to people with visual impairments and has organized training and empowerment programs for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The founder revealed that she has set up sewing centers and shops in several states to empower skilled women. They also offer therapy sessions for persons with disabilities every Saturday.

Shona-Aluko explained that the foundation has been in operation for over a decade. It was started to create a structured way to keep humanitarian efforts going and to help more people.

She said the foundation focuses on healthcare, rehabilitation and assistive support, inclusive education, skills development, livelihood opportunities, protection and advocacy, disability inclusion, social awareness, and building partnerships.

On the upcoming launch event, Shona-Aluko, who is the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, said it will officially introduce the foundation and its goals to stakeholders who care about humanitarian work and social inclusion.

She said the gathering will include government representatives, traditional leaders, development partners, donors, advocates for disability inclusion, and other caring Nigerians and Africans.