To support persons with disabilities, stakeholders have emphasised the need for a stronger collaboration, family education, and empowerment initiatives for them.
At a family forum hosted by the Resource Centre for the Blind in Lagos, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mrs. Temitayo Ayinla-Omotola, called for unity among families, communities, and institutions to build a society where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive.
With the theme: ‘Celebrating Success’, the event was attended by no fewer than 80 participants, including people with diverse disabilities, such as visual and hearing impairments, autism, dwarfism and albinism.
It featured inspiring personal stories of resilience and achievements of persons with disabilities, with sign language interpreters ensuring full participation for deaf attendees.
“This is proof that disability does not define destiny,” Ayinla-Omotola declared.
Medical Director of D.F.O Hospital, Dr. Francis Azuka Okugwu, advised caregivers and families to prioritise medical testing, emphasising the role of health education and genetic counselling in disability prevention.
He urged agencies and non-governmental organisations to deepen awareness efforts around mental health.
An entrepreneur, Dolapo Agbede, stressed the importance of work ethics and access to opportunities.
“People with disabilities deserve inclusion in national development plans,” she said, while calling for consistent empowerment partnerships.
Visually-impaired on-air personality and moderator, Kemi Odusanya, described the event as “educative, empowering, and transformative.”
She encouraged participants to embrace self-care and mental wellness as a foundation for active societal contribution.
A panel session featured Salami Bolarinwa, a lawyer, Ms. Isado Yemisi, and Mr. Isiaka Adebayo, where they shared powerful disability experiences.
The participants appreciated the organisers of the event.
Aminu Mustapha, a student with a visually impaired sibling, said the event offered “valuable knowledge for better mental health and self-worth.” Mr. Frank Ezeh commended the initiative, calling it “a platform for networking and positive change.”
Goodwill messages came from representatives of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos Chapter.
The forum ended on a hopeful note, reinforcing unity, awareness, and a collective push for an inclusive society.
