The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has urged the state government and well-meaning individuals to pay greater attention to the challenges faced by children in special needs schools across the state.
The Chairman of NUJ in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Amos Etuk, made this appeal on Friday during the 2025 Valentine Charity Outing of the Inspiration FM Chapel of NUJ. The event, themed “A Heart for Others,” was held at the Learning Disabilities Society of Nigeria (LDSN) in Uyo.
Etuk emphasized the need for the incoming Commissioner for Education to prioritize the welfare of special needs children, ensuring a smooth and inclusive learning process for them. He also expressed optimism that Governor Umo Eno, through continued advocacy efforts by the NUJ, would one day visit the center and address its pressing needs.
“This is the best moment of Valentine that I’ve seen. I see these special children, and I have strong faith in God. I will push for stronger advocacy to ensure the government pays more attention to them. We have a listening governor who is passionate about education and humanity, and I believe that through advocacy, he will visit this place one day,” Etuk stated.
Commending the teachers for their patience and dedication, he prayed that adequate support would soon come their way.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Inspiration FM Chapel, Comrade Imaobong Dem, highlighted the struggles faced by parents of children with special needs. She noted that many of these children are exceptionally talented in arts, including drawing and painting, but lack the necessary support to develop their skills.
“Many parents raising these children do so alone, and if we support them more, they will achieve a lot more. People with Down syndrome or autism are extremely skilled, and they need significant support,” Dem said.
As part of the event, the Inspiration FM Chapel donated learning materials, toiletries, and food items to the center. Receiving the items on behalf of LDSN, Inimfon Okorie expressed gratitude for the continued partnership and support, noting that apart from following the government-approved curriculum, the center also provides skill acquisition programs for the children.
