… Seeks Improved Collaboration With Government MDAs
The Permanent Secretary, Parastatal Monitoring Office (PMO), Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya has commended Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) for prioritising the interest of PWDs, just as she encouraged the leadership of the agency to collaborate with other government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to promote inclusion in their programmes.
She gave the commendation on Monday when she led a team on a work visit to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
“I am highly enlightened by the information and activities of LASODA. I urge you to liaise with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to participate in the annual Trade Fair, showcasing the remarkable talents of Persons with Disabilities”, Mrs. Ososanya said.
She also expressed interest in partnering with LASODA to advance Governor Sanwo-Olu’s goal of “leaving no one behind” and encouraged ongoing discussions to achieve this objective.
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, while welcoming the PMO officials, highlighted the agency’s core responsibilities and efforts made so far in promoting inclusion and championing the needs of PWDs.
She emphasised LASODA’s commitment to protecting the rights and integrity of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and advancing the objectives of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal outlined the agency’s strategies, including medical outreach, empowerment initiatives, education, transportation, monitoring, accessibility, sensitisation, and employment interventions.
She noted that LASODA actively engages with various ministries, departments, agencies, and private organisations to support PWDs through skills development, financial assistance, medical support, and advocacy.
“Towards achieving our goals, we have recently supported 100 Persons with Disabilities with ₦100,000 each to alleviate economic hardship”, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal said.
She also mentioned ongoing collaborations with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to provide comprehensive health coverage for PWDs under the Ilera Eko health package and also with the Lagos State Scholarship Board so that students with disabilities can be given priority when it comes to benefiting from the government’s scholarship programme.
Additionally, the agency plans to support PWDs over 60 years old and caregivers of children with severe disabilities.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal emphasised the importance of coordinating policies and programmes to address the specific needs of PWDs and thanked Mrs. Ososanya and team for the visit and support.
