In a bold step set to reshape disability care in Nigeria, OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, a leading non-governmental organisation, recently announced plans to establish OAK Centre Prime — a first-of-its-kind, world-class disability support centre in Oyo State.
This pioneering initiative is projected to cost millions of dollars and aims to provide structured, high-quality interventions for children with disabilities, in what advocates describe as a long-overdue investment in inclusion and social equity.
For Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye, Chief Responsibility Officer of OAKonsult, the vision for OAK Centre Prime is deeply personal — a mission shaped by the life and loss of her daughter, Abigail, who passed away at 16 last October.
Abigail’s condition, tragically mismanaged in Nigeria due to medical negligence, led the family to relocate to the UK in search of better care. There, with the support of her devoted parents and access to superior facilities, Abigail was able to live a more meaningful and fulfilled life despite her challenges.
“Losing Abigail was devastating, but it reinforced my resolve to ensure that no other family has to struggle to find quality care for their child with disabilities,” Adeloye said, recounting how Abigail’s final months at a specialized facility in the UK opened her eyes to what was possible in disability care.
“This is not just a good-to-have; it is a must-have. We must establish a structured, world-class system that ensures children with disabilities receive the care they deserve,” she added.
WHAT OAK CENTRE PRIME WILL OFFER
OAK Centre Prime will be located on a 35-acre site in Ogbomosho, gifted by the Oolo Community in a strong show of local support. The facility will provide residential care for 250 children and serve 1,000 children annually through both residential and outpatient services.
The centre is designed as a fully integrated hub combining education, healthcare, and social services. It will offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, diagnostic assessments, and other essential interventions. Importantly, the centre aims to eliminate the need for Nigerian families to seek expensive care abroad.
“All the children or people with disabilities can still be enabled to live a fulfilled life with available resources, and that’s what we want to demonstrate at OAK Centre Prime. We are focusing on education, health and social care,” Adeloye explained.
LOCAL SUPPORT AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
Initially, OAKonsult sought 12.5 acres for the project. However, the overwhelming support from the Oolo Community and local leaders resulted in a 35-acre allocation — a powerful endorsement of the centre’s vision.
The centre is expected to have a significant socio-economic impact. With an estimated 1,500 staff members required to run operations, OAK Centre Prime will create jobs for healthcare professionals, therapists, caregivers, and support workers, while providing business opportunities for local vendors and suppliers.
The centre will also serve as a national training hub for specialists in disability care, boosting local expertise and helping to build long-term capacity in the sector.
“This is a game-changer. Families who can afford private care will contribute financially, while grants and international funding will ensure accessibility for low-income families. We are not asking for handouts — we are asking for collective action,” Adeloye stressed.
A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
OAKonsult is calling on government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, medical professionals, and the public to rally behind the initiative. Adeloye said that while community support has been heartening, sustained funding is critical to bring the vision to life.
“We need partners who recognize the urgency of this vision and are willing to invest in transforming the lives of thousands of children. Nothing is too small,” she appealed.
Adeloye also highlighted the need for stronger policies on inclusion, education, and healthcare, urging the government to support disability-focused initiatives as a socio-economic investment rather than charity.
“We cannot exist without collaborating with the government, though the structure is challenging to navigate. This is why we need everyone to drive the initiative. We also urge the government and everyone to see the change it can bring and support it,” she said.
Broader Advocacy and Future Plans
Beyond the physical infrastructure, OAK Centre Prime will advocate for early diagnosis and intervention. Adeloye has called for schools to be equipped with assessment tools to identify developmental concerns at an early stage, enabling faster, more effective support for children.
“We want to have therapeutic input that can dictate for them quickly to help them and the parents. We want to have the equipment to enable and support them without going outside the country. We need to take care, nurture and love them,” she explained.
The centre’s groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 22, 2025, in Oolo, Ogbomoso, marking a significant milestone in what many hope will set a new standard for disability care in Nigeria.
Community and Expert Voices
Speaking on the initiative, Prince Deji Irawo, Lead, Advisory Board of OAKonsult and community leader, said: “For me, it’s an honour and privilege to be part of it and change the narrative in Nigeria, believing that the country will be better, especially from the royal institute. The children are special, and we need to let people and society know that these children are special.”
A Life’s Mission
For Adeloye, OAK Centre Prime is more than a professional project — it is the legacy of a mother’s love turned into a national vision.
“This must be built together. It is not about me — it is about the children, the families, and the future of our society,” she said, calling on Nigerians everywhere to join in building a more inclusive future.
A Call To Action:
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