Lagos commits to supporting persons with disabilities for meaningful living

Lagos State government has said it remains committed to consistently providing support systems for individuals with disabilities to enhance their overall well-being.

The General Manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said this during the donation of assistive devices to Persons with Disability, (PWDs) in the state by LASODA.

The event was themed: “Social Inclusion: Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Every Person with Disabilities in Lagos State”.

Oyetunde-Lawal added that the gesture was in line with the state Special People’s Law and social inclusivity policy.

She acknowledged the efforts of caregivers, parents, organisations, and individuals working to contribute to the betterment of people with disabilities.

The devices donated include wheelchairs, folding sports wheelchairs, simple fold electric wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs. Others are walking sticks, walking aids with four legs, guide canes, motorized recliner chairs, Cerebral Palsy chairs, and arm crutches.

Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the tools that represented freedom to become active participants in society, were aimed at uplifting people with disabilities, with focus on those in the physical disability cluster, as well as children and trainees at various centers.

She said: “This initiative focuses particularly on children and trainees at various centres such as the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre for People with Disabilities in Owutu Ikorodu, the Diamond Centre, and the Trustees of Voice Salvation Charity Foundation. These centers play a pivotal role in the development and empowerment of people with disabilities, and we are proud to support them with the resources they need to continue their work.

“The goal of this programme is simple, to uplift and support people with disabilities and to create a society where everyone, regardless of their physical challenges, has equal access to opportunities and resources.

“And we are buying all these devices for you because you are may not particularly interested in just buying assistive devices, we want the ones that you will use and will work for you.”

LASODA boss noted that the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as the government through the agency will continue to take steps to remove barriers and foster inclusivity in all areas of life.

Oyetunde-Lawal, who enjoined PWDs to always embark on routine checks to know their health status, assured that the agency will continue the engagement and awareness advocacy In the coming year, forge more partnerships with stakeholders, and further advance the cause of those with physical disabilities in the state.

Some of the beneficiaries at the event commended the state government for its efforts to create equal opportunities for all citizens.