Lagos Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Future for Children with Disabilities

The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to fostering an inclusive society where children living with disabilities can flourish and reach their full potential.

Speaking during a special celebration for children with disabilities held at Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the government remained dedicated to ensuring equal access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all residents with disabilities.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Omolade Sonubi, Oyetunde-Lawal highlighted various initiatives introduced by the state to empower persons with disabilities and equip them for a better future.

She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising the welfare of persons with disabilities through his inclusive governance agenda.

Speaking on the event’s theme, “Listen to the Future,” Oyetunde-Lawal noted that Lagos State had made remarkable progress in promoting inclusion and safeguarding the future of children with special needs.

“The theme is about the future, and Lagos State is already ahead of that future. We have taken bold steps that protect the rights and needs of children with disabilities — from education to civic engagement — and our Special People’s Law remains a testament to this commitment,” she said.

She added that growing global recognition of children with disabilities was a result of consistent advocacy efforts across various disability clusters, including Down Syndrome, deafness, blindness, and albinism.

Also speaking, the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Orientation at LASODA, Dr. Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, stressed the need to include children with disabilities in policymaking and programme design.

“Listening to them ensures we consider their needs in our plans and programmes, creating opportunities for them to thrive,” she stated.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers at the event applauded LASODA for its sustained advocacy and dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Lagos State.