The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the commitment of the State government to the welfare and wellbeing of people with disabilities, stressing that the present administration is determined to ensure Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) achieve their full potentials in life.
Speaking at a ceremony held to commemorate the Y2021 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Police College Parade Ground, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu stated that global consensus does not regard physical disability as an inability and, therefore, it should not incapacitate anyone from achieving something positive in life.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde, maintained that all persons with physical disabilities have special skills and talents, hence the present administration has provided an enabling environment for PLWDs to achieve their goals in all spheres of human endeavour.
Noting that the theme of the Y2021 celebration is “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities towards an Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post COVID-19 World”, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said that the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus makes it essential to adopt all-inclusive strategies that would ensure persons living with disabilities are also protected from its effects.
Her words: “It is our collective duty as a people to promote and integrate them to be part of the larger society, we must eschew all practices that tend to segregate people at all levels”.
She commended the Ministry of Education for its tremendous contributions to enhancing the skills and confidence of persons with disabilities and putting their welfare on the front burner.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Abolaji Abayomi, said the celebration was aimed at promoting an understanding of disability issues while mobilising support for respect of the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
Abayomi appreciated the additional efforts of all Special Teachers, Caregivers and Support Staff in all the Special Schools and Inclusive Units across the State for the services being rendered to humanity.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged the children to pursue their aspirations for excellence, just as he advised the parents with special children to enrol them in special schools as they all have bright futures and potentials to excel.
This year’s celebration also had in attendance the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Mobolaji Daba; Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V, Mr. Charles Olajide and other top government functionaries. The students in the various Special Schools and Inclusive Units in the State made different presentations in Ewi, Fashion Parade, Choreography and Cultural Dance.
