Home Children with Disabilities Lagos State Commits to Protecting Children with Disabilities

Lagos State Commits to Protecting Children with Disabilities

by Inclusive News Network

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities receive the necessary protection and support for full integration into society.

The state reassures its citizens that every individual with a disability will be included in living a meaningful life, reflecting the administration’s vision of leaving no one behind.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum for service providers in Lagos’ disability community, themed ‘Ensuring the Protection of Children with Disabilities,’ the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of children with disabilities in both private and government care homes.

Oyetunde-Lawal stressed that children must be able to grow in safe environments, highlighting the more critical needs of children with disabilities, which demand specialized care, attention, and protection.

“The home should be a sanctuary where children feel safe, loved, and accepted. For children with disabilities, a well-managed home is not just a shelter but a lifeline. It provides them with stability and serves as the foundation for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

“Managing a home for a child with disabilities requires additional thought, planning, and unwavering commitment. It must be a space where they are shielded from external challenges—a haven where their abilities are nurtured, their differences celebrated, and where their self-esteem and confidence are constantly built. Dear stakeholders, I believe we can all agree on the importance of instilling these values in our children early on, to help them grow into self-reliant, confident, and well-rounded individuals,” she stated.

Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal further highlighted that the agency has been working diligently towards social inclusion, a core aspect of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES PLUS developmental agenda. This agenda seeks to eliminate discrimination and provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, and community life.

“Our mandate is to create, enforce, and supervise policies that ensure Lagos remains a state where inclusion is the norm, and the rights of persons with special needs are fully recognized and protected. We tirelessly work to shield them from all forms of discrimination and to ensure equal access to opportunities in every aspect of life.

“Today’s forum will focus on how we can better manage our homes to ensure the well-being, safety, and development of our children. We will hear from experts on creating safe environments—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—for children with disabilities.

“While the home is central to their protection, we must also recognize the crucial role of community support. No family can thrive in isolation. We need to collaborate with community organizations, support groups, and local services to provide a broader network of care for our children. By connecting with others who understand the challenges, families can access invaluable resources, share advice, and find emotional support for themselves as caregivers.”

She also acknowledged the contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private homes that care for children with disabilities, re-emphasizing the vast potential of these children. She urged caregivers and parents to provide the necessary tools for their development and success.

“Your dedication and commitment have been invaluable in improving the lives of these children. It is through such collaborative efforts that we will continue to make a meaningful, lasting impact. Let us all keep working together to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, receives the love, care, and opportunities they so richly deserve,” she added.

During the forum, various speakers addressed the theme of managing homes and protecting children with disabilities.

The National President of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Mrs. Rose Modi, called attention to the cruelty of discrimination against people with disabilities. She urged those managing care homes to escalate cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

Modi also noted that all care homes must prioritize child protection, establish the proper structures, conduct research on best practices from around the world, collaborate with stakeholders, and engage in consistent training to enhance staff knowledge and competence.

Other speakers at the event discussed topics including crisis management, prevention, and adopting a holistic approach to the care of children with disabilities.

They urged parents to avoid substance abuse, promptly engage law enforcement when crises arise, and adopt proactive measures to prevent any form of crisis. Recommendations included establishing crisis management teams, developing crisis management policies, creating emergency response plans, training staff in crisis management, and setting up clear communication protocols.

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