Empowerment
Children’s Day 2026: Yeye Adesola Advocates Stronger Inclusion for Left-Handed, Neurodivergent Children
Children’s Day inclusion reform Nigeria gains attention as Adesola calls for better support for left-handed and neurodivergent children
Anti-bullying advocate and convener of the Lefties and Ambidextrous Care Initiative Nigeria, Yeye Adesola Oyinloye-Ndu, has called for urgent educational and societal reforms to ensure inclusion for left-handed and neurodivergent children in Nigeria during the commemoration of Children’s Day 2026.
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Speaking on the national theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” she urged parents, educators and policymakers to stop forcing children to conform to rigid standards and instead build systems that allow every child to thrive naturally.
The advocate focused on the daily challenges faced by left-handed children, including classroom tools and learning environments largely designed for right-handed users, which she said often lead to emotional strain and loss of confidence.
She described such experiences as a silent form of exclusion that can undermine a child’s identity from an early age, stressing that inclusion must go beyond surface-level tolerance.
According to global estimates cited in her address, around 10 to 12 percent of the population is left-handed, a figure that translates to millions of Nigerian children navigating systems not designed for them.
Beyond handedness, she expanded her call to include neurodivergent children, urging greater awareness of different learning styles and cognitive patterns in classrooms across the country.
The inclusion reform message also emphasised the need for teachers and parents to recognise individuality, creativity and diverse ways of learning as strengths rather than weaknesses.
She warned that persistent labelling or correction of natural differences can negatively affect children’s emotional development and long-term confidence.
“Inclusion is not charity. Inclusion is justice,” she stated, underscoring her argument that acceptance should be a fundamental right rather than an optional gesture.
The Lefties and Ambidextrous Care Initiative Nigeria, founded and convened by Oyinloye-Ndu, continues to advocate for awareness and structural support for left-handed and ambidextrous individuals, particularly children in schools and homes.
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The organisation says it remains committed to promoting dignity, equality and better learning environments for all children regardless of how they are naturally wired.
Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, a prominent educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist with over fifty years of experience in Nigeria, formally launched the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada (AOFSAIC) at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, on May 16th, amidst community leaders and supporters like Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, Chief Victor Alonge, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Queen Esther Ejim, Chief Jumoke Abegunde and a host of others.
During her address, Yeye Folashade emphasized that the Canadian branch was established to extend her efforts in fostering economic independence among African women globally. She highlighted that the initiative seeks to help women acquire valuable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and crafts, enabling them to achieve financial stability and independence.
At the event, HRH Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, underscored the critical importance of artisans to economic growth. He stated, “Artisans are the backbone of a thriving economy, and their contributions to the informal sector are essential for national development.” He further noted that empowering women through such initiatives not only amplifies their voice but also promotes inclusive growth.
In her speech, Yeye Folashade noted that the association is already active in Nigeria, with numerous branches across major cities. She stressed that establishing a Canadian chapter, particularly in Brampton; home to over 12,000 Nigerian immigrants, is vital for extending opportunities to more women seeking self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial success. She added that expanding into Canada aligns with Nigeria’s national shift from conventional employment towards a more dynamic, skills-based economy driven by immigrant entrepreneurs.
Yeye Afolashade’s academic background includes secondary education at Queen Elizabeth School in Ilorin, followed by studies at the Federal College of Education in Kano State. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University. She began her career in Nigeria’s educational sector, mentoring students who now occupy leadership roles in various institutions.
Her organization collaborates with Nigerian government agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), supplying safe and quality learning and play materials to schools nationwide.
Her numerous awards include distinctions from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Security Watch Africa. She has been conferred chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorates, acknowledging her significant contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, and community development.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Yeye Afolashade mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and supports philanthropy through scholarships and community projects. She advocates for the marginalized, empowering women and youth, and continues to champion women’s advancement in Nigeria. In 2023, she was appointed the National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans in Nigeria, further emphasizing her dedication to women’s empowerment and discipline.
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