Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, has joined other countries across the globe to celebrate World Disability Day (WDD), declaring that the State government is committed to building back in a better way, especially in view of the socio-economic disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and hijacked #EndSARS protest.
The General Manager, LASODA, Mr. Oluwadamilare Ogundairo, who disclosed this in welcome address at an event organised by the Office to mark the Day at Ndubusi Kanu Park, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, explained that WDD is an annual event celebrated internationally by governments and organisations every 3rd of December, to recognise the importance of People Living with Disability in society.
He maintained that the theme of this year’s celebration “Building Back Better: Towards a Disability Inclusive Accessible and Sustainable Post COVID-19 World” is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in Lagos State, as well as the fulfillment of his promise of ensuring all-inclusive governance that would leave no one behind, particularly People Living with Disabilities.
“I am optimistic that Lagos State is committed to building back, better and stronger. The whole idea of building back better is that so much has been lost, but with our collective collaboration ánd support of our able Governor, we shall build back in Lagos better than expected”, Ogundairo declared.
He commended all the stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and top government functionaries that had been at the forefront of advancing the noble course of People Living with Disabilities, imploring them not to relent in their efforts or regard disability concerns as only the responsibility of the State and Federal governments.
One of the facilitators at the event, Mr. Ajayi Olabode, stated that if People Living with Disabilities could be empowered, their individual problems would be lessened because they will operate independently without becoming liabilities to others or society at large.
