By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government on Thursday launched the groundbreaking EPIC (Early Pathway to Inclusive Care)–BAWOP (Build a World of Play) Play Fair, a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting early identification, inclusion, and holistic care for children living with disabilities. The event, held at Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, drew over 4,000 public primary school pupils, alongside health professionals, therapists, teachers, and caregivers.
Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Play Fair combined play-based medical screenings with inclusive social activities, providing early support while reducing stigma for children facing developmental, mobility, sensory, and learning challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasized the critical role of play in healthy childhood development. She described the initiative as a reminder that children thrive when given opportunities to play, connect, and feel valued. “When we create fun moments away from the challenges they face, we nurture their minds, confidence, and sense of belonging,” she said.
Dr. Ogunyemi praised the organisers for pooling resources and expertise to ensure children felt supported and included, noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to advancing disability inclusion across the state. She expressed hope that the programme would expand to other communities to reach children who could not attend.
Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Director of Special Projects and Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, explained that EPIC targets children from birth to age 10, screening for hearing, vision, mobility, and developmental challenges, while linking them to appropriate interventions. The Play Fair’s format was designed to foster interaction between children with and without disabilities in a stigma-free environment.
Dr. Ajomale highlighted the importance of integrating public schools into the initiative, with teachers providing supervision and emotional support. “Lagos is building a sustainable model for early identification, assistive technology support, and medical intervention,” he said, adding that the state hopes health insurance coverage will eventually include all children born with disabilities.
CHAI, a partner in the initiative, described play as a powerful developmental tool that stimulates neural pathways and reflexes while ensuring timely access to medical care and assistive technologies. The organization commended the Lagos State Government for its commitment to inclusive development and pledged continued support to expand the programme across the state and Nigeria.
The Play Fair featured inclusive play zones, sensory tents, art corners, mobility support demonstrations, and music and dance arenas, engaging children of varying abilities. Parents, teachers, and facilitators applauded the initiative for combining fun with critical health and developmental interventions.
The event concluded with a photo session, leaving participants with renewed excitement and a strengthened sense of inclusion.
