The Ago-Ireti settlement in Akure today, Sunday 31st January came alive as a Non Governmental Organization, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) in partnership with Damien Foundation, His Marvellous Grace Support Foundation (HMGSF), the German Leprosy Relief Association (GLRA), Knowledge Mill International (KMI) with supports from the Ondo State Ministry of Health and Ondo State Primary Healthcare Board put together an event to mark this years' celebration of World Leprosy Day.
The event which featured a rich cultural display and a friendly football match between footballers from the Anglican Church and Catholic Church as well as lots of games with the theme: "Overturning The Stigma Of Leprosy With Games" is an annual celebration which brings to mind the need to create awareness about the disease and provide support for those whose health have been affected by leprosy.
The Executive Director of K&TRC, Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye in her remarks said it was quite unfortunate that many people still think that leprosy is not curable, and as such, they stigmatize those affected by the disease.
While noting that this year's theme is apt as it goes beyond stressing the need to go for early detection and access treatment, Mrs. Bamigboye called on all stakeholders to invest in activities that will contribute to the elimination of all forms of stigmatization as it is capable of causing mental defect to those having the disease.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Oluwafemi Aina, the Program Manager for Ondo State TB & Leprosy Project, while applauding the initiative enjoined the people in the larger society to stop the stigma against those with leprosy stressing that the people affected by leprosy need to be showed love in order to live above board.
Dr. Aina said beating leprosy requires being informed about leprosy and further stressed the need for people to regularly check their health status than stigmatizing those living in the settlement who are medically aware of their health status and are doing everything possible to beat the disease.
Princess Ade Adelola from Damien Foundation while speaking on behalf of the country representative, Dr. Osman El-Tayeb assured the settlement of their continued commitment to support Ago Ireti in all ways possible.
Dr. Iwu Hyacinth who also spoke on behalf of Knowledge Mill International applauded K&TRC for coming up with the initiative – saying he is impressed by the turnout and the facility on ground.
Dr. Iwu also used the opportunity to assure the people in Ago Ireti of better days ahead as his NGO will look for ways to execute projects within the settlement.
In her goodwill message, the representative of Ondo State Primary Healthcare Board, Mrs. Funke Adeniyi used the opportunity to appreciate K&TRC for putting this laudable and worthwhile event together, just as she enjoined the people in the larger society to always remember the people in the settlement as they need to be showed love.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of Gold medals to the winning football team – Catholic kids while the Anglican kids were also given Silver medals.
Reacting, the leader of Ago Ireti Settlement, Chief Gabriel Ologunagba thanked K&TRC for yearly coming to celebrate the day with them, called for more support towards enhancing the life of the people within the settlement.
Among other partners at the event include TonyClown Entertainment, 1201 Agency, Mikky Arts, Cakes and Pastries, and Smart Care Fitness and Health Consult.
