King's Court Parish Celebrates Persons with Disabilities at 2026 Diversity Sunday in Lagos
The King's Court, a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) located in Lagos Province 39 on Victoria Island, hosted a heartwarming and impactful Diversity Sunday event in 2026, themed "Joy in Inclusion." This special gathering brought together persons with disabilities from various institutions across Lagos, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.
Event Highlights and Participation
Participants from organizations such as the Syndrome Foundation, the Cerebral Palsy Centre, Modupe Cole Memorial Orphanage for Physically and Mentally Challenged Persons, Pacelli School for the Blind, Bethesda School for the Blind, and the Resource Centre for the Blind were treated to a memorable experience. The programme featured a vibrant mix of songs, dance performances, prayers, and ministrations, allowing guests to actively engage in the church service and other activities.
Anchored by disability rights advocate and church member Adeola Obagun, the event also provided a platform for participants to showcase their talents and entrepreneurial skills. At the conclusion, many displayed handcrafted items like fabrics and adire for sale, highlighting their creativity and economic potential.
Messages of Love and Inclusion
During the second service, Adegoke Lawrence Arowosegbe, the Blind Zonal Pastor of RCCG Lagos Province 69, Light of God Parish in Ikorodu, delivered a powerful message titled "The Effect of Love." He emphasized that genuine inclusion of persons with disabilities must be rooted in love, stating that compassion and acceptance are essential for building an inclusive society. "The effect of love cannot be over-emphasized. Inclusion is not complete without love," he remarked.
Advocacy for Disability Rights and Legal Enforcement
Adeola Obagun highlighted the significance of Diversity Sunday, explaining that it aims to celebrate persons with disabilities and integrate them fully into church and societal life. She stressed the urgent need for stronger awareness and enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019. According to Obagun, this law criminalizes discrimination against persons with disabilities, imposing fines of up to N1 million for corporate violations and penalties of N100,000 or six months imprisonment for individuals.
She also noted that the legislation mandates public buildings to provide accessible facilities. Obagun urged government authorities to ensure strict implementation and encouraged both public and private organizations to reserve at least five percent of their workforce for persons with disabilities.
Global Context and Church Initiatives
Citing global statistics, Obagun observed that over one billion people worldwide live with disabilities, yet many face exclusion from places of worship due to mobility challenges and social stigma. She pointed out that supportive tools such as braille, sign language, and assistive technologies are gradually overcoming these limitations.
The church has taken practical steps to promote inclusivity, including providing braille Bibles, sign language interpreters, ramp access, elevators with braille buttons, and other support systems. Obagun disclosed that previous Diversity Sunday events were held in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
