Essential Resources: Lagos Empowers PLWDs With Assistive Devices
The Lagos State government has celebrated and empowered People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) with assistive devices and essential resources to ease their participation in the society, as well as advance their course in life.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, made the presentation of the devices during a programme to commemorate the International Disability Day, themed: “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities,” as well as the World Braille Day.
Ogunlende said that the programme, organised by Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), at the weekend, was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s Themes Plus Agenda, which included social inclusion, to make life easier and better for PLWDs as the government runs an open-door policy.
In her welcome address, General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, also said the essence of giving out the devices was to enable PLWDs to participate in the society affairs, encourage parents, neighbours, care-givers, and religious organisations to support the Lagos State government.
“I wish to reiterate the mission of LASODA, which is to provide a platform of transformative solutions for inclusive development, opportunities, accessibility and social justice that will integrate PLWDs into the society, as well as the vision to achieve an inclusive city where everyone co-exists regardless of disability status, thereby creating an equitable society in Lagos State and beyond”, Oyetunde-Lawal stated.
Also in her remark, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyitolu, said the essence of the celebration, which also featured awards presentation, was to create awareness on the plight of PLWDs and give them more attention as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Guest speaker at the event, Crystal Chigbu, who commended the Lagos State government for its efforts, also called on it to further ensure the implementation of providing employment for PWDs.
Chigbu also urged the state government to ensure accessible infrastructure and technologies, as well as provide inclusive education for all.
