Ikorodu West Deaf Development Association (IKWDDA) has urged Non-Governmental Organizations, Government Parastals and House of Assembly members within the Ikorodu metropolis to recognize, and fully include the Deaf Community within the Local Government in the various empowerment, employment and development activities in order to discourage the obnoxious act of street begging among them and other PWDs within the community.
The group heaped praises on the Local Council Development Area’s, erstwhile chairperson, Hon. Princess Jumoke Ademinhe. Also commended was the APC party in Ikorodu West LCDA, as well as the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ikorodu West district for recognizing the Association.
The group went on to task them to collaborate with the Lagos East Senator, Hon. Tokunbo Abiru, who promised to champion the cause of empowerment for Persons with Disabilities if elected in one of his campaign promises last year.
Chairman of IKWDDA, Mr. Kuku Tosin made the charge in a press conference organized yesterday at Ikorodu West LCDA hall in Agric, Ikorodu.
According to him, part of organising the press conference was to shed more light on why Ikorodu West Deaf Development Association deserves equal recognition and rights.
He listed some challenges faced by the Association, insisting that some organizations don’t seem to understand the implications of breaking the Lagos State Special People’s law and National Disability Act, both of which have passed into law.
Kuku appealed to well meaning Nigerians in the community to join hands in advocating for the rights of persons with Disability in the divisions to ensure full recognition.
In his words, “We want Ikorodu West LCDA to include persons with disabilities in it’s budget, especially those who are registered with the LCDA.”
The group also demanded provision of Sign Language interpreters on television stations, in hospital, offices, etc to enhance accessible communication for the Deaf community. Meanwhile, the group sent congratulatory messages to all elected members in the July 24 Local government/LCDA elections.
Council Manager, Ikorodu West LCDA, Mr. Oladipo Abiodun Ofinwa was represented by Mr. Omoteji, Shakirudeen, head of administration/human resources at the press conference. He assured that the local government will look into some of the Associations’ needs and make efforts to meet them with time.
He added that the local government is open to people with disabilities anytime, anyday.
Head of department, (Agriculture/Community Development Services) Ikorodu West, Mr. Agbolade Abubakar spoke on carrying everyone along. He noted that the former chairperson has done alot in taking care of the Association while reiterating belief that the new administration will take the same steps in ensuring that the Deaf Community enjoys better services.
In conclusion, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Ikorodu West coordinator, Asoro Abubakar urged Government Parastals and different bodies to carry the Deaf Community and PWDs along in their programme activities to discourage street begging.
Photos from the event:
