The Chairman, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Kumayon Ajose, has pledged the council’s support for  Persons With Disabilities(PWDs) in the council  area.

Mr Ajose gave the assurance  while speaking during a programme to mark the  International Day of Persons With Disabilities in Badagry on Sunday.

The programme was organised by the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry chapter.

The theme of the event is “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”

Mr Ajose said his administration would respond to the needs of PWDs and those of other disadvantaged people in the LCDA at all times, promising not to let them down.

“We will continue to assist you; we will continue to work with your association,  listen to your views, suggestions and advice in every aspect on  alleviating your sufferings .We will respond in all areas you want  to be assisted.

“In terms of the materials that will aid you to navigate your cause, to make you comfortable in any situation, my administration will not let you down.”

The chairman said that the council recently  met with the executives  of the association during which the needs and aspirations of the association were extensively discussed.

Mr Ajose assured said his administration was  a  listening one, promising  that he  would continue to relate with the association on its challenges and  surmounting them.

Also speaking at the programme, Mautin Towolabani, Chief of Staff to the chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, similarly pledged Badagry LG’s support for the association’s  programmes.

Mr Towolabani said the council would soon create a desk for the association, for effective monitoring and support for its activities.

Monday Tanimowo, who represented the  state Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged the persons with disabilities not to hide themselves at home ,advising them to demonstrate confidence at all times.

Mr Tanimowo urged them to come out and showcase their talents so prove that they are important members of  the society.

In his lecture,  a lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo,  Dr Olaleke Mohammed, urged the association to fight for the  rights of members.

Delivering the lecture titled, “Nothing about Us Without Us,” he charged PWDs in Badagry to come out and defend their rights.

According to him, it is not proper for anyone to make laws for PWDs without carrying them along.

Founder, Friends of Deaf International Foundation, Ikorodu,  Funmilayo Ogunro, urged the persons with disabilities to take their education seriously.

In her paper presentation titled, “Inclusive Education as Tool For Social Progress, Empowering Children With Disabilities to Succeed,” she highlighted the  importance of education.

In his remarks, Chairman of the association, Ekundayo Sejoro, urged all local councils in Badagry Division  to employ sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication between people with hearing impairment and government officials.

“We also appeal to our council chairmen to establish more special schools in Badagry Division.

“Many families cannot afford the daily transport to Badagry town to educate their special children. This is a financial burden on parents, but

local special schools will ensure equal access to education and reduce the financial burden on parents.

“Prioritising persons with Disabilities In education, employment, political appointments, and empowerment programmes is also important.

PWDs must be given priority as a vulnerable group deserving of equal opportunity and support.

“We urge the council leaderships to institutionalise regular and stand-alone empowerment schemes dedicated specifically to persons with disabilities.

“We also appeal to stakeholders government officials, the private sector, community leaders, and civil society organizations to join hands in building an inclusive Badagry where persons with disabilities are seen, heard, respected, and supported.

“We envision a future where every individual can reach their full potential, where barriers are dismantled, and where inclusion and equity shape our development agenda,” he said.

He commended the chairmen of Olorunda LCDA and Badagry LG for their constant engagements with the association

(NAN)