The Lagos State Government, through the Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has facilitated the provision of work tools and assistive devices to approximately 50 civil servants with disabilities within the state.
Additionally, the government granted cheques amounting to One Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira each to 11 individuals to procure prosthetics, thereby promoting their independence and enhancing their productivity.
Speaking during the official presentation of the items, held at the STO Resource Centre, Ikeja, the General Manager Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said that the initiative, which is first of its kind was designed to empower, advance inclusion and increase accessibility for persons with disabilities, especially those employed by the State Government.
Oyetunde-Lawal said that in the past years, the agency has received multiple requests from the state civil servants with disabilities seeking work tools to enable them to carry out their responsibilities and the presentation is activating this vision for PWDs in the state civil service.
“Today, we are presenting: 23 Laptops, 9 Laptops with speech-assisted software (Freedom Scientific Version 2024) for our visually impaired persons, Calipers and motorized wheelchairs. We also have some home representatives that are here, they are picking up assistive devices and tools for the children that they have with them.
“These work tools are more than just equipment, they are enablers of efficiency, confidence, and dignity. With these tools, our colleagues with disabilities will not only perform their tasks with ease but will also contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Lagos State and it is a way of upholding the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, as enshrined in the Lagos State Special People’s Law (2011).
“Lagos state remains a higher employer of PWDs in the nation and our responsibility is to continue to provide many assistive devices and every form of assistance that we can provide to PWDs in Lagos state, championing it across the nation and hopefully across the continent of Africa,” she said.
LASODA Boss said the state will continue to promote equal opportunities and advocate for a more inclusive state where no one is left behind regardless of their status in the society, as she urged the beneficiaries to utilise the tools responsibly and allow them to serve as instruments of productivity, excellence and self-reliance.
Social Inclusion
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu said the initiative is in fulfilment of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s social inclusion agenda that provides for all individuals with special needs.
According to her “This administration led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working assiduously to ensure those with physical challenges are catered for in all ramifications and the agency has not stopped working to address all your needs and one them work tolls for your comfort. The work tools and assistive devices that you are getting today are being used to test waters for the next set of people and this must reflect in the service delivery that will improve productivity to the people of Lagos.”
She said accessing public infrastructure for PWDs has been the discussion and the state government will start with the civil servants as she affirmed support for individuals and groups taking care of children with special needs in the state.
Some of the participants expressed their gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu and LASODA for the opportunity to upscale their skills. They also promised to consistently use the tools to improve their working conditions, enhance knowledge and be more effective and independent as they discharge their civil duties.
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