The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende and the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, have underscored the importance of inclusivity at a two-day Intellectual Disability Conference organised by Pure Souls Learning Foundation recently.
The Commissioner reiterated the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, emphasising the mission of inclusiveness, leaving no one behind regardless of gender, status, or disability.
The event, held in collaboration with Patrick Speech and Languages Centre at Harbour Point, 4 Wilmot Road, Victoria Island, aimed to empower families and communities in supporting individuals with disabilities, particularly autism, in Nigeria.
During her keynote address at the event, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal emphasised the agency’s commitment to prioritising Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and fostering a more inclusive society.
She highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges and promote positive change in the disability space.
The conference theme: “Empowering Every Voice: Community and Family Synergy for Special Needs Support in Nigeria”, resonated throughout the event, with speakers emphasising the importance of socialisation, awareness, and accessibility.
The General Manager expressed her gratitude to the event organisers for hosting the conference, urging others to join the cause. She also stressed that addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities requires collective effort.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, address challenges, and foster collaboration, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
The Founder and Director of Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Mrs. Dotun Akande called for concrete actions towards realising an inclusive society where the contributions of every individual are recognised and valued
