Lagos State government, yesterday, promised to create enabling atmosphere as well as equal opportunities for People With Disability (PWDs) in the state.

The state government said its developmental agenda, which has been upgraded to include youth engagement, gender equality and social inclusion will incorporate the physically challenge across the state.

Speaking at the 2024 International Disability Day celebration with the theme “United In Action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”, the General Manager, 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 government.

Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the agency organised the event as part of activities to mark the International Disability Day with disability community and also mark the World Braille Day.

She maintained that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to the advancement of the cause of Persons With Disabilities as it appreciates the support of every group that prioritizes the need to ensure no one is left behind.

According to her “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.”

The 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 aside recognising 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 the groups of people that would be recognised today (Saturday) are those that are passion-driven towards ensuring the promotion and improvement of PWDs. They provide adequate education, healthcare, and assistance to them, thereby improving their self-worth in the society. To all the 70 homes, seven 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.”

In his remark, the Commissioner For Youth and Social Development, MobolajiOgunlende re-echoed the developmental agenda of the state government, assuring the stakeholders of adequate attention to cater for 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.”

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, MrsOluwatoyinOke-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 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 also join hands with government to ensure PWDs are fully integrated Into the society.

The 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 on the usage of adaptive technology that would facilitate access to public infrastructure and education for the PWDs as she sought continuous community engagement and awareness that will scale up advocacy for their fundamental human rights.

The highlight of the occasion was the award presentation for outstanding caregivers for their impactful 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.