The first all-inclusive kiddies Indoor playhouse, Kiddly Space, has been unveiled in Ibadan to provide a safe place for play and exploration for regular and children with special needs.
The founder of Kiddly Space Mrs Mobolaji Idowu, while speaking during the opening ceremony of the kiddies playhouse on Saturday in Ibadan said that the support systems for parents and families in Nigeria are still at a developing stage making parents more often stretched, and children, especially those with special needs not having spaces where they can truly belong.
She noted that society must rise to create inclusive spaces where all children, regardless of ability, can thrive together. She added that society must recognize that every child has a gift to share, if only given the right environment, and children with unique needs deserve to be seen, not hidden.
She reiterated that every child deserves a safe, inclusive place to learn, play and shine while their parents also enjoy peace of mind to focus on other aspects of life and rest when necessary.
“Kiddly Space is not just for children with special needs. It is for all children. But at its heart, Kiddly champions inclusion, a place where every child, regardless of their ability, can thrive side by side.
“The playhouse has a Sensory Room designed especially for children who need calm, safe stimulation — a haven for children with special needs. It is an inclusive indoor playhouse for children between 3 months and 9 years old.
“My own son, who is on the autism spectrum, has been my greatest teacher. Through him, God showed me that every child is unique, every child is special, and every child deserves a safe, inclusive place to learn, play, and shine.
“But beyond childcare, Kiddly is a solution.We want to be that relief to the parent who needs a break. We want to be that trusted space where children can grow without limits. We want to be that community that proves inclusion is not a theory but a lifestyle.
“The centre is also equipped with the STEM and Montessori Room, filled with age-appropriate tools to spark curiosity in science, math, creativity, and other facilities, “she said.
Also, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, in her remarks commended founder of Kiddly Space for adhering to all safety regulations related to setting up a playhouse in Oyo state.
She expressed readiness of the state government to work closely with the management of Kiddly Space to ensure that the standard is sustained for the benefits of children across the state.
“There is provision for healthcare professionals. There are provisions to ensure that the safety and welfare of our children is guaranteed. In addition to that, there is ample provision for children, not just regular children, even children with special needs, to enhance their psychomotor skills, their cognitive skills, ” she said.
Similarly, the Co-Senior Pastor, HarvestHouse Christian Centre, Pst(Mrs) Adeola Eboda, said Kiddly Space could be described as a dream that has been realized and an answer to a great problem in the society.
“As an educationist, I work with children. And at times, parents bring children that are neuro-divergent to our organization.
“And because we don’t have the facility, most of the time, I don’t have where to refer them to. But to know that this is an all-inclusive facility that allows for children, both children that are on the spectrum and that are not on the spectrum to come here, it’s a big thing.
“Many parents ask themselves several questions. What do I get this child? Where can I put this child? Who or which facility can accommodate my child? Especially children with neuro-divergence. But this is an answer to a big problem in our society.
“It’s a big win for our society, for our state, and for our country in general, “she said.
A parent, Mrs Ihuoma Jesuyomi, noted that it would be difficult to separate play from children’s overall development.
“Children are supposed to be encouraged to play regularly because play is therapeutic, this is another big development in Ibadan, “she said.
