10th Year Anniversary: CCD Calls For Effective Implementation Of Lagos State Special People Law

Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for effective implementation of the Lagos State Special People’s Law (LSSPL).

The Executive Director, David Obinna Anyaele made the call on Thursday, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Lagos State Special People’s law.

In his welcome address, Anyaele stated that the objective of the event was to present the abridged versions of the Lagos State Special People’s law in Yoruba and Pidgin languages.

The event was supported by Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC).

Several studies were conducted to access level of compliance to the special law by ministries, departments and agencies of the State.

Findings showed that Government officials and citizens are still at the teething stage of creating awareness about the struggle.

“we know we can’t do it alone, it’s a joint effort that include Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) as well as Organizations of people without disabilities so we can together take ownership of the law and make sure that its objectives are achieved.” He said.

In her remarks, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Lagos State Branch, Philomena Nneji noted that a sizeable number of people in government are lacking in many things.

She said, “we have been calling on other State Governments to emulate Lagos as the trailblazer. Not only that, we are also appealing to them to do more, especially for citizens with disabilities.”

According to her “It’s a beautiful thing to have laws, but most important is ensuring that these laws are effectively implemented. We have to follow up continuously to make sure the gaps are filled.

“We can’t have enough of the law, but when we are able to stand firmly we should make sure that these laws are implemented. There’s need for an enhanced mechanism for enforcement of these laws. Then, and only then can we claim to be making some headways.”

Mrs. Philomena also advised Persons with Disabilities to go extra miles by going around hotels and other places to ensure compliance with the law.

Also addressing the audience was the acting President, Committee for Defence of Human Rights, Comrade Kehinde Prince Tiger. In his address, he asserted that Nigeria is in a critical situation and fundamentals are being violated. He added that implementation of the law is Nigeria’s main issue.

Going further, Comrd. Kehinde charged PWDs to understand that as citizens of the country, many things belong to them. He thus urged them to take charge for their rights.

General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Mr. Oluwadamilare Ogundairo appreciated CCD for coming up with abridged versions of the law, adding that it’ll get to the natives.

Represented by the Director, monitoring, evaluation and orientation unit of LASODA, Mr. Oguntoye Akintunde Oyewole, the General manager assured that “Every disabled person in Lagos will be carried along.”

“The distribution of this law will be viral in Lagos State, he insisted. Everyone is supposed to know the different sections of the law, and where their rights is being infringed on, it will be restored through the law.”

While commending CCD for it’s leadership in the promotion of the rights of citizens with disabilities across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, participants at the event called for increased public awareness of the law through sensitization of professional bodies, traditional ruler, communities, transport operators and market women and men, security agencies among others.

Highlight of the event was the unveiling of abridged versions of the LSSPL and distribution of the same to members, heads of disability clusters, associations, and Organisations of Persons with and without Disabilities at the event.

Photos from the event: