As families of children with disabilities struggle to access life-changing support, allegations of corruption, extortion and abuse of office have surfaced at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, where intervention funds and assistance are allegedly being obstructed or diverted. CHIJIOKE IREMEKA reports
Every day, 47-year-old Mrs Ayeni Banke watches her 12-year-old son struggle with cerebral palsy, knowing that the specialised care that once gave him hope is gradually slipping beyond her reach.
Crushed by worsening financial hardship, the Lagos mother says she can no longer afford the therapy and treatment her son desperately needs, leaving her to watch the progress he made over the years slowly fade away.
In search of help, she knocked on the doors of several non-governmental organisations, hoping someone would ease her burden. But according to her, many told her they were unable to assist because they lacked funds.
She also alleged that some officials responsible for administering disability intervention funds demand kickbacks before offering support, making access to assistance even more difficult for families already pushed to the brink.
