Foundation targets N500m for special needs children

The Concert for Change Foundation aims to raise N500 million for special needs children and disabilities charities in Nigeria through their upcoming Green Worship 9.0 benefit concert. The foundation has raised and disbursed N210 million since its inception in 2006 but has now set a new target that is more than double that amount. Since 2006, the foundation has supported 49 charities and reached over 8,000 children.

Founder and Managing Trustee Wale Adenuga revealed that six charities will benefit from this year's concert: OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach, Lokola School for the Deaf and Special Needs, Excellent Child Support Initiative, Festus Fajemilo Foundation, AIM Special Children Centre, and Irede Foundation. The needs these organizations address include specialized education, rehabilitation, prosthetic limbs, transportation, and infrastructure.

The foundation's efforts are crucial for these charities, as noted by the beneficiaries. For example, Excellent Child Support Initiative founder Amidu Kafaya shared that her organization provides both schooling and therapy for special needs children in Ikorodu, where families often struggle to afford quality education and therapy.

Festus Fajemilo Foundation's Afolabi Fajemilo explained that their 20-year mission supports over 385 families living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which require ongoing multidisciplinary care.

Adenuga emphasized that government support is essential but stressed that charities cannot wait for government action. He called on individuals, families, businesses, churches, and civic groups to contribute to the foundation's efforts. The Green Worship 9.0 concert will feature gospel artistes and continue fundraising through a 21 Days of Giving campaign.