Opeyemiyoke: Inclusion is about fairness, not favoritism

At first, she 'hits' you with something she carries, and you wonder what happened? It is the light that Opeyemitoke embodies behind her gigantic vision to help children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and Dyslexia. It takes a lot to work with the mentioned. 

I can tell you for free that patience is required in large quantities to really get by in this kind of work. However, against all odds, Opeyemitoke continues to push for inclusive education, herbs and holistic care for this set of people through different initiatives and partnerships. It may not have been a jolly ride so far, but she has been able to train more than 2000 educators worldwide to her credit. This is massive.

Getting to her, Opeyemitoke is not just a special education teacher; she is an accomplished author and more. This UI graduate is passionate about her calling to ensure every neurodiverse child is seen, supported, an thrive beyond any limitation. 

Being a nation builder that she is, Opeyemitoke recently authored another book titled " The Heartbeat of Inclusion, Beyond Awareness into Action." This is just one of the many things she is doing to ensure that special needs children are carried along and not left behind or rendered useless.

Omote Ro Dhe enjoyed her conversation with her. It was moments of deep reflection, realignment of purpose, new perspective and solution thinking in this quick chat. 

Opeyemitoke took on a journey that did not leave us the same. Read excerpts below:

Who is Opeyemitoke beyond being “The Inclusion Ally”?

Opeyemi is an Author, a Realtor, a YouTuber, a drama minister and a Counsellor

Was there a personal experience or moment that shaped the need for an inclusion and neurodiversity advocacy path for you?

Yes...there was a defining moment that made me realise how important inclusion and neurodiversity advocacy truly are. I encountered a situation where someone with a different way of thinking and processing information was misunderstood and unfairly labelled, not because they lacked ability, but because the environment wasn’t designed to support them.

Watching that unfold made it clear to me that many systems are built with a narrow definition of “normal,” leaving out people who think, learn, or communicate differently. It wasn’t just about one person; it reflected a broader gap in awareness, empathy, and structure.

That experience shifted my perspective. I began to see inclusion not as a passive concept, but as something that requires intentional action, creating spaces where differences are not just accepted, but understood and valued. It also sparked my commitment to neurodiversity advocacy, ensuring that individuals are supported in ways that allow them to thrive, rather than being forced to fit into rigid expectations.

Why is inclusion so important to you on a personal level?

As someone who was constantly misinterpreted, inclusion matters to me a lot. Inclusion is deeply personal to me because it speaks to something fundamental: being seen, understood, and valued for who you truly are. I’ve come to realise that when people are excluded or misunderstood, it doesn’t just limit opportunities; it can affect confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging.

You’ve worked with parents, teachers, and policymakers. What gaps do you see across these groups? 

Honestly, one of the biggest gaps I see across parents, teachers, and policymakers is this quiet assumption that inclusion is someone else’s responsibility. Everyone agrees it’s important, but many treat it like something that can be delegated.

Parents sometimes expect schools to “handle it.” Teachers, already stretched, may feel it’s up to specialists or leadership. Policymakers create frameworks, but often remain distant from what implementation actually looks like day to day.

The problem is that inclusion doesn’t work that way. It’s not a box to tick or a role you assign; it’s a shared responsibility that has to show up in everyday actions, decisions, and attitudes. When each group steps back even slightly, gaps form, and those gaps are exactly where people, especially neurodivergent individuals, fall through.

What’s missing is a sense of ownership across the board. Real inclusion happens when parents, educators, and policymakers all see themselves as active participants, not just supporters from the sidelines. Until that mindset shifts, progress will always feel slower than it should be.

For someone hearing the term “neurodivergent” for the first time, how would you explain it in simple terms?

Neurodivergent simply means that someone’s brain works a little differently from what is considered “typical.”(normal )

It affects how a person thinks, learns, communicates, or experiences the world, but it’s not a bad thing, just a difference. For example, people with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia are often described as neurodivergent.

One book or film that changed your perspective?

I am not much of a film person, but my own book -

The heart beat of inclusion, beyond awareness into action.

Books or heels or makeup?

Books

How inclusive would you say the Nigerian education system currently is?

There is a wide gap when it comes to inclusion .

But we can do better

What would success look like for you personally?

Seeing every children with special needs thrive

A woman who inspires you:

DDK, Sarah Jakes..

A misconception about inclusion you’re tired of hearing?

One misconception I’m really tired of hearing is that inclusion lowers standards or gives some people an unfair advantage.

In reality, inclusion is about fairness, not favouritism. It’s about making sure everyone has what they need to succeed,not making things easier, but making them accessible.

Different people need different kinds of support, and that doesn’t take away from others. If anything, it creates a stronger, more understanding environment for everyone.

A quote you live by:

The courageous will always lead the wise