Disability should not deny anyone dignity, opportunities — Shona-Aluko - Vanguard News

Founder of YASA Foundation, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, has called for greater inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities, insisting that physical challenges should not deprive anyone of the right to live a meaningful and fulfilled life.

Shona-Aluko, the yeye Bobajiro Oodua, who spoke at a press conference ahead of the official unveiling of the foundation, scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, said society must move beyond sympathy and create opportunities that enable persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to her: “Today represents more than an announcement of an upcoming event. It is an opportunity to share a vision, communicate a mission and invite individuals, organisations and institutions to become part of a movement dedicated to making society more inclusive, compassionate and equitable.

“This initiative was born out of a deep conviction that every human being deserves dignity, respect, opportunity and the chance to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, regardless of their physical condition, social background, economic circumstances or personal challenges.

“Across our communities, many individuals and families continue to face circumstances that limit their access to basic necessities, healthcare, education, protection and opportunities for economic advancement.

“Persons with disabilities often encounter barriers to inclusion, mobility, education and meaningful participation in society.

Vulnerable children require protection, care and opportunities to realise their potential. Women, older persons, displaced individuals and underserved communities equally deserve support systems that recognise their needs and protect their fundamental dignity.

“These realities remind us that development cannot be truly meaningful if certain segments of society are continually left behind. It is against this background that YASA Foundation was conceived.”

She disclosed that the foundation’s beneficiaries include persons who are blind, deaf and children living with cerebral palsy, adding that it also supports children undergoing regular therapy.

She explained that the organisation identifies beneficiaries through their associations and established groups, enabling it to understand their needs and provide relevant assistance.

Lamenting the increasing demands of the interventions, which she said informed the decision to formally unveil the foundation and invite more individuals, corporate organisations and institutions to participate, she said: “These children are very expensive to care for. As the work expanded and the demands became overwhelming, I realised that I could no longer do everything alone. That is why I decided to unveil the foundation and invite others to join us.”

Appealing to Nigerians to embrace a culture of giving, the founder said support for vulnerable persons should not be left to the government alone, stressing that even small contributions could help address pressing needs and improve the living conditions of people facing difficult circumstances.

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