LASODA, UNFPA inaugurates technical working committee on Disability inclusion in Lagos
In a strategic move to deepen disability inclusion and strengthen inter-agency collaboration, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has inaugurated a Technical Working Committee on Disability Inclusion in Lagos.
The inauguration ceremony was held recently at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Conference Room (T-Block), Alausa, Ikeja, and had in attendance representatives of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), disability advocacy groups, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
The newly inaugurated committee is tasked with promoting coordination, collaboration, and sectoral alignment towards achieving a more inclusive Lagos, where persons with disabilities (PWDs) can fully participate and thrive in all spheres of life.
Speaking during the event, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, described the formation of the committee as a crucial step toward strengthening coordination, implementation, and technical support for disability-inclusive policies and programmes in the State.
“This committee is vital to our collective vision of building a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities. We must remain committed, consistent, and collaborative in ensuring that disability inclusion becomes a standard practice across all sectors,” Mrs Oyetunde-Lawal stated.
She further reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains inclusive-minded and committed to fair and equitable governance, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the State’s developmental agenda.
The inaugural session featured a presentation by Mrs Laolu Akande, a Disability and Inclusion Analyst, who spoke on “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Law.” This was followed by a session led by Barrister Safiu, who presented the Terms of Reference for the Lagos State Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (LSDITWG) and facilitated its formal adoption.
Additionally, Dr Esther Somefun, a Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, and Dr Adekola, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Orientation, coordinated breakout sessions where participants were divided into subcommittees to develop actionable plans and strategies for effective implementation.
In his closing remarks, Barrister Safiu commended UNFPA for its unwavering partnership and support in ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in governance and policy formulation.
The Technical Working Committee comprises representatives from various government Ministries and Agencies, PWD advocacy groups, development partners, and private sector organisations, all working collectively to advance the cause of disability inclusion in Lagos State.
