By Gami Tadanyigbe
Dr. (Mrs.) Kiema Ogunlana, Programme Director of Daisy Oak Foundation, has marked her 46th birthday and the 19th anniversary remembrance of her late mother, Ntunkae (Mrs.) Umo Stephen Agba, by celebrating with visually impaired students at the FCT School for the Blind.
The event, held on Friday, October 2, 2026, was organised through the Daisy Oak Foundation as part of Ogunlana’s commitment to giving back to society and promoting inclusion, compassion and equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities.
Rather than celebrating her birthday solely with family and friends, Ogunlana chose to spend the occasion with students living with visual impairment, using the opportunity to draw attention to the importance of inclusive education and support for vulnerable members of society.
The birthday outreach and remembrance service provided an opportunity for the students to interact with Ogunlana and members of the Daisy Oak Foundation, while sharing in the celebration and reflecting on the life and legacy of her late mother.
Speaking during the event, Ogunlana said her decision to celebrate her birthday with the students was motivated by her desire to give back to society and support initiatives that positively impact vulnerable and underserved members of the community.
She stressed the need for individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to support inclusive education and create an enabling environment where persons living with disabilities can pursue their aspirations without discrimination.
According to her, birthdays should not only be occasions for personal celebration but also opportunities to reflect on one’s impact on society and identify meaningful ways to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Programme Director encouraged the students to remain focused on their education and personal development, assuring them that visual impairment should not prevent them from pursuing their dreams or making meaningful contributions to society.
Ogunlana also expressed appreciation to the Acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Mike Ango, for his generous support towards the Food Bank Initiative at the FCT School for the Blind.
She said the initiative had provided essential food items for boarding students, helping to meet their nutritional needs while supporting their overall well-being, learning and development.
Also speaking, the Vice President, Academics of the school, Mr. Ossai Lawrence, commended Ogunlana for the gesture and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate her example by supporting initiatives that promote the welfare, education and development of persons with disabilities.
The event formed part of the Daisy Oak Foundation’s broader social responsibility activities aimed at supporting vulnerable and underserved members of the community.
The students and organisers expressed appreciation to Ogunlana for choosing to spend her special day with them, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and an encouragement to the beneficiaries.
