The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has renewed its call for deeper disability inclusion at the grassroots level through strategic collaboration with local authorities across the state.
This came during an advocacy visit by the LASODA team to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Addressing officials during the engagement, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, underscored the importance of integrating disability considerations into local government operations. She emphasized the need for equitable employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), proper identification of disability types and clusters, and capacity-building for caregivers at the community level.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal also called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to advance Agenda PLUS — a disability-focused initiative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, lauded LASODA’s proactive advocacy, describing the visit as both timely and aligned with the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive governance.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to enhance accessibility for PWDs across all Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Bolarinwa further disclosed that the Ministry recently intervened in a case involving a deaf applicant at the Local Government Service Commission, ensuring the candidate received fair consideration.
According to her, while merit remains central to recruitment decisions, the principles of inclusion and equal opportunity are fundamental to the state’s development agenda.
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