Funke Akindele Makes Emotional Appeal Over Evicted Children Crisis

Funke Akindele has appealed for support for 32 special needs children displaced after eviction from their therapy centre in Lagos

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has called on Nigerians to support 32 children with special needs who were displaced following a court-ordered eviction from Magnificient Therapy Services in Yaba, Lagos.

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Akindele made the appeal on her Instagram page on Monday after sharing her emotional reaction to a video showing the children and their belongings outside the therapy centre.

She said the situation was heartbreaking, especially as the affected children live with conditions including autism, dyslexia, cerebral palsy and other developmental challenges.

“This video was sent to me today, and honestly, it broke my heart,” she wrote. “Seeing children living with autism, dyslexia, cerebral palsy and other special needs displaced is deeply upsetting.”

The actress clarified that her message was not intended to accuse or criticise any party involved in the dispute, but to draw attention to the urgent need for humanitarian support for the children.

“This post is not to discredit or attack anyone involved. I simply want to use my platform to encourage support for these children,” she added.

The eviction reportedly followed a prolonged tenancy dispute that led to the enforcement of a court order, forcing the therapy centre to vacate the premises it had occupied for 16 years.

The centre, which began in 2010 with just two children, had grown into a support space for children with developmental conditions, offering therapy and care services to vulnerable families.

Following the eviction, some of the children were temporarily relocated to an uncompleted building, while others were taken home by parents who could manage the situation.

Akindele urged members of the public, organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist the affected children in any way possible.

“Please, whatever support you can give will go a long way,” she wrote. “Let’s show these children love, kindness, and humanity.”

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The appeal has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for urgent intervention to ensure the children receive proper care and shelter.