**Empowering Children with Special Needs: A Call to Action for the Nigerian Government** Imagine a Nigeria where every child, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education and therapy services. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for many families with children with special needs. Despite the efforts of parents, educators, and disability advocates, the country still grapples with inadequate funding, weak policies, and stigma surrounding special needs. At the recent Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment Conference and Trade Fair held in Lagos, stakeholders made a passionate plea to the Federal Government to prioritize the needs of children with special needs. The conference, themed "Preparing for Adulthood: Empowering Caregivers and Families," brought together experts and advocates to discuss the challenges facing families with special needs. Dr. Mudi Nwachukwu, Chair of the SENTE Organising Committee, emphasized the critical need for adequate funding to establish inclusive schools and expand access to therapy services. "Therapy is not cheap, and many parents are left to source funds on their own," she said. Her experience running an educational support service for children with learning challenges has shown her the harsh realities faced by families with special needs. The uneven distribution of therapy services across the country is another major concern. Some states lack basic services such as speech therapy, leaving parents in despair. The lack of enforceable anti-discrimination laws also perpetuates stigma and marginalization of families with special needs. Mr. Yinka Ogunnubi, President of the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria and a parent of a child with special needs, highlighted the need for deliberate government intervention to strengthen inclusive education nationwide. Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative, Mrs. Solape Azazi, also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for families with special needs. "We need to break the stigma surrounding special needs and create a culture of acceptance and inclusion," she said. In conclusion, the Nigerian government must take concrete steps to address the challenges facing families with special needs. This includes prioritizing funding for inclusive schools, expanding access to therapy services, and strengthening policies protecting children with special needs. Only through concerted efforts can we create a more inclusive and supportive society for all children, regardless of their abilities.