Oyetty Foundation for Special Parents, a charity organization dedicated to supporting parents of children with special needs, celebrated its second anniversary yesterday, January 23rd, with a memorable event tagged “Parents and Partners Hangouts.”

As part of the celebration, they engaged parents in a brain teaser challenge, with exciting cash prizes up for grabs.

The challenge, designed to test parents’ knowledge about the foundation, offered a first prize of ₦100,000, a second prize of ₦75,000, and a third prize of ₦50,000.

Oyetola Akande, Founder of Oyetty Foundation, explained that the organization’s primary focus is on supporting parents of children with special needs. She emphasized that the organization caters to parents of children with any kind of special needs, providing them with support and resources to help them care for their children.

She noted that the organization’s goal is to give parents a sense of purpose and meaning beyond their caregiving roles. Looking after special children can be stressful, and the organization aims to help parents realize that there’s more to life than just caregiving.

When asked if the organization also oversees the children, Akande clarified that they do not. She stressed that it’s impossible to look after both parents and children simultaneously, given the vast scope of needs. Instead, the organization focuses on supporting the parents, who are often overlooked in the caregiving process.

Akande noted that Oyetty Foundation has been operating for about two years now, with the “Parents and Partners Hangouts” being their third event. She expressed her gratitude to the organization’s partners and supporters, saying that their support has been invaluable in helping the organization achieve its goals.

The event featured financial, health, and business talks, as well as games, food, and gift-giving. Akande stressed the importance of listening to the needs of the parents they serve, ensuring that the organization’s efforts are tailored to their specific needs.

As Oyetty Foundation looks to the future, She expressed her commitment to continuing the organization’s work and making a positive impact on the lives of parents of children with special needs.

According to Olusegun Akande, husband of the founder, the event was a moving and captivating experience, with many families and parents sharing stories of how the foundation’s work has impacted their lives.

Akande expressed immense pride and gratitude to God for the foundation’s progress, saying, “We’re very grateful for the enablement and provision that God has given to the foundation.”

Looking ahead, Akande said the foundation hopes to do more in the coming years to support families affected by special needs. He emphasized the need to break down the stigma surrounding special needs in Nigeria, urging people to come forward and share their stories or seek support.

Toyin Falogi Ekeze, founder of Simone’s Oasis Foundation shared her own personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome. She emphasized the importance of community and support for families affected by special needs.

Ekeze expressed her admiration for Oyetty Foundation’s work, noting that her own foundation uses storytelling to raise awareness and change perceptions about special needs. She highlighted the various mediums used by her foundation, including music, animation, and books, to share passionate messages.

She encouraged the parents present, emphasizing that being a parent of a child with special needs is not the end of the world, but rather a blessing. She noted that her nine-year-old daughter with Down syndrome has learned to thrive and make the most of the challenges that come with it.

Ekeze stressed the importance of building a supportive community for families affected by special needs. She noted that this community is essential for seeking support, resources, and giving back to others.

She emphasized that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic class, can make a positive impact on others.

In conclusion, Ekeze commended Oyetty Foundation for its good work and expressed her eagerness to collaborate with them in the future.

Mrs. Sanusi, a grateful beneficiary, recounted how Oyetty Foundation’s support changed her life totally. From selling newspapers to afford her child’s transportation, she mustered the courage to rent a shop. Oyetty Foundation’s timely intervention helped her stock up her shop, enabling her to pay for more than four times the initial investment.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Esther, a special parent, shared her remarkable story. After receiving an unexpected message from Oyetty Foundation, she was surprised to find that they had paid for a shop and stocked it with provisions, including cartons of Indomie, bags of rice, and other essentials. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mrs. Esther expressed her ability to take care of her child’s needs, thanks to the foundation’s support.

Mrs. Adeola Koleosho, a grandmother and beneficiary from Gbobi Special School, thanked Oyetty Foundation for their invaluable support. Her 17-year-old granddaughter, who has been living with the condition since little baby, has benefited greatly from the foundation’s empowerment initiatives, which have been “really helpful” in supporting her care.