The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende has assured Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) of equal opportunities under the THEMES Plus Agenda of the present administration in the State.
Speaking on Saturday at the International Disability Day celebration and recognition of PWD Caregivers organised by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, held at Ikeja, the Commissioner informed that the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasises Youth Engagement, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion.
He reiterated the government’s pledge to ensure that PWDs are active participants in the THEMES Plus Agenda with a particular focus on providing equal opportunities for all citizens.
In her goodwill message at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu said that the celebration of International Disability Day by LASODA is one of the ways of creating awareness about the plight of PWDs.
She added that the recognition and presentation of awards to some caregivers who have devoted their time and resources to the needs of PWDs shows the state government’s acknowledgement of their significant contributions to improving the standard of living of PWDs.
Oke-Osanyintolu also seized the opportunity to encourage other caregivers who are yet to register with the state to do so, imploring other members of the society to join hands with the present administration to ensure PWDs are fully integrated into society.
On her part, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said that the event also marks World Braille Day as a way of giving credence to the policy of inclusiveness by the Lagos State Government
Speaking on the theme of the International Disability Day celebration: “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs For, With and By Persons with Disabilities”, Oyetunde-Lawal stated that there is a need for joint efforts by all relevant stakeholders to make life more liveable for PWDs.
She 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.
The General Manager revealed that LASODA will be distributing Guide Canes/Slates and Stylus to students with visual impairment in addition to recognising and appreciating Homes, Teachers, Coaches, Sign Language Interpreters, Parents, and Caregivers who have set exceptional standards in catering to the needs of persons with disabilities.
She noted that individuals like Dr. Lekan Muhammad, who is a PhD holder and the first deaf lecturer at the Lagos State University, and other PWDs doing great in their chosen fields and excelling against all barriers in society have proven that disabilities should not limit the height which anyone can attain.
In her words: “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.
Guest Speaker at the event, Mrs. Crystal Chigbu called on the State Government to initiate and promote inclusive policy that takes into cognizance the needs of PWDs.
She harped on the need for improved and accessible transportation, adaptable technology as well as education for all PWDs regardless of the nature of their disabilities.
Chigbu also told PWDs to explore the windows of inclusive learning opportunities made available by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, saying that the Lagos State Government is at the forefront of ensuring compliance with the Special Peoples’ Law.
