Ifeoma Philippa Peterkins-Itoe, fondly known as Barr. Ify, is a British/Nigerian-trained lawyer, globally recognized Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) advocate, and the driving force behind Nigeria’s first SEND-focused law firm, Bodtink Legal Practitioners. She also founded the Siblings of Special Needs Foundation (SOSNEEDS) Nigeria, a pioneering NGO dedicated to bridging gaps in disability rights, family support, and special needs advocacy.
Ify’s journey began at the tender age of 10 when her younger sister was diagnosed with intellectual disability and autism, thrusting her into a caregiving and advocacy role she didn’t yet fully understand. Over the years, this personal mission evolved into a professional calling, leading her to become her sister’s legal guardian and a globally trained SEND lawyer. Inspired by her sister’s resilience, Ify now trains siblings to become leaders within their families, equipping them to manage the unique challenges that disabilities bring into homes.
Through her work at SOSNEEDS Nigeria, Ify has launched www.sosneeds.org, an online platform to amplify awareness, provide essential resources, and connect families with tools to thrive. She is also advocating for systemic change in Nigeria’s disability laws, shaping policies that uphold the rights of persons with disabilities while empowering families and caregivers with education and training.
With a vision to establish Africa’s first neurological diagnostic center in Nigeria, Barr. Ify is determined to revolutionize access to support and services for neurodiverse individuals. Her unwavering dedication has spanned over 15 years, during which she has championed inclusion, justice, and equity in education and beyond.
Through Bodtink Legal Practitioners and SOSNEEDS Nigeria, Barr. Ify is not just advocating for change; she is redefining what it means to build an inclusive society.
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