For the past ten years, I have always had the privilege of sharing Christmas gifts with orphanages through my contacts and foundation, La Roche Leadership Foundation. However, my visit to the only children’s hospice in Nigeria on 1st January 2015, the Hearts of Gold Hospice in Surulere, was more educational and emotional than any previous visits. I also visited the SOS Village, Isolo and Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Lagos.

I believe that as a people we have not done enough for the physically challenged citizens amongst us. They are equal partakers in the resources of Lagos State. We must provide adequate care and support for them just like anyone of us would demand of the government.

I have close friends whose children are challenged with various conditions.

I am more committed than ever before to provide world class care centers for the physically challenged in the State and take care of their needs from the cradle. We must integrate them fully into the day to day running of the society.

My promise is to make their issues a foremost state policy. They are part of our future which must be driven by love, care and prosperity. God will help us.

– Akinwunmi Ambode