In a powerful show of commitment to inclusive urban governance, the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA) hosted the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) for a strategic inter-agency meeting recently at LASISMA’s Adeniyi Jones headquarters in Ikeja.
The engagement, led by the General Managers of both agencies, Tpl. Daisi Oso of LASISMA and Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal of LASODA respectively, aimed to foster deeper collaboration and explore pathways to boost socio-economic opportunities for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos’ fast-growing informal urban corridors.
In her remarks, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal stressed the urgency of meaningful partnerships to implement Lagos State’s social inclusion agenda. She cited the increasing number of PWDs in the state and called for bold actions to ensure accessibility, economic participation, and inclusive planning across all urban spaces, including informal ones.
“Lagos is evolving rapidly, and it is crucial that our city’s informal spaces, which are economic lifelines for many, are made more inclusive and accessible to our PWD community,” she stated, lauding LASISMA’s leadership for creating a welcoming platform for such progressive conversations.
Welcoming the LASODA team, Tpl. Daisi Oso praised Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal for her dedication to disability advocacy. He gave a compelling presentation tracing LASISMA’s evolution from the former Lagos State Physical Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA) into a modern, mandate-driven agency.
He underscored LASISMA’s legal backing under the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Laws of 2015 and 2019 (as amended).
Tpl. Oso unveiled several innovative projects aimed at reorganising and empowering Lagos’ informal urban spaces including Hybrid Solar-Powered Air Compressors for Vulcanisers, Solar-Powered Green Kiosks and Urban Agriculture Greenhouses beneath power lines, among others.
He noted that these initiatives are designed not only to improve orderliness and drive micro-enterprise growth but also to intentionally reserve space and opportunities for PWD participation.
A standout moment came when Tpl. Oso presented 3D mock-ups of proposed urban design projects at strategic locations like Oko-Oba Abattoir Canal, Ikorodu, and the Abule-Egba Jubilee Bridge.
Visibly impressed, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal described the projects as “revelatory, futuristic, and socially impactful.” However, she pointed out the lack of disability access features, such as ramps, in the designs and urged LASISMA to integrate inclusive elements moving forward.
She also recommended that LASISMA embed disability-focused policies into its Operational Development Plans (ODPs) to ensure sustainable inclusive urban management.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal rounded up with a heartfelt appeal for intentional leadership development, encouraging Tpl. Oso to mentor the next generation with his vision and expertise.
The historic session ended with shared appreciation and a firm resolve to work more closely in the months ahead – setting a new standard for inclusive urban development in Africa’s most populous city.
