Lagos State government has promised to create an enabling atmosphere as well as equal opportunities for the People Living with Disability PWDs in the state.
The state government says its developmental agenda which has been upgraded to include Youth Engagement, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion will incorporate the physically challenged across the state.
Speaking at the international Disability Day celebration with the theme “United in Action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”, General Manager, of Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said the occasion was organised to give more credence to the policy of inclusiveness by Lagos State.
Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the agency organised the event as part of activities to mark the International Disability Day celebration with the disability community and to also mark World Braille Day.
She maintained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to the advancement of the cause of Persons with Disabilities and appreciates the support of every group that prioritises the need to ensure no one is left behind.
She said,”As a government, we will not rest on our oars until the mandate of the Agency to create an equal platform for Persons with Disabilities is achieved.”
LASODA Boss however reiterated the mission of the agency to provide a platform of transformative solutions for Inclusive development, opportunities, accessibility, and social justice that will integrate PWDs into society, stressing that critical stakeholders must join hands to spread the message.
She said “Today, we will be distributing Guide Canes/ Slates and Stylus to students with visual impairment and also recognizing and appreciating Homes, Teachers, Coaches, Sign Language Interpreters, Parents, and Caregivers that have set exceptional standards in catering for the needs of persons with disabilities as well as individuals excelling against all barriers in the society like Dr. Lekan Muhammad who is a Ph.D. holder and the first deaf lecturer at the Lagos State University and other PWDs doing great in their chosen fields. Indeed, these individuals have proven that disabilities should not limit the height that someone can attain.”
“It is pertinent to note that these groups of people that would be recognized today are groups that are passion-driven towards ensuring the promotion and improvement of PWDs. They provide adequate education, healthcare, and assistance to them, thereby improving their societal self-worth. To all the 70 homes, 7 inclusive Secondary Schools, and 31 Inclusive Primary Schools registered with the Agency, I thank you for your contributions to the cause of Persons with Disability.”
Adequate attention
In his remark, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende re-echoed the developmental agenda of the state government, while assuring the stakeholders of adequate attention to cater to their needs.
He said “You are the reason that we are all here, we will make life easier and better, we run an open door policy, kindly reach out to us whenever there are issues to be addressed”
Awareness Campaign
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stressed the essence of the celebration which was to create awareness of the plight of PWDs, give them more attention and encourage them to be hopeful for a better future.
Oke-Osanyintolu also encouraged other caregivers who are yet to register with the state to do so, as she called on every member of the society to join hands with the government to ensure PWDs are fully integrated into society.
Guest Speaker at the event, Mrs Crystal Chigbu, who commended Lagos State government for its efforts also called for the implementation of employment opportunities for PWDs as provided in the state law.
She emphasised the usage of adaptive technology that will facilitate access to public infrastructure and education for the PWDs as she seeks continuous community engagement and awareness that will scale up advocacy for their fundamental human rights.
Award presentation
The highlight of the occasion was the award presentation for outstanding caregivers for their contributions to the progress of persons with disabilities in the state, as well as other valuable gift items for the visually impaired students among others.
Dominica Nwabufo
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