The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has urged disability service providers to strengthen safeguarding measures and ensure that residential homes and service centres are safe, accessible and dignified for Persons with Disabilities, particularly children.
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, made the call on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Y2026 Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the agency at the Lagos NUT Pavilion, NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
The forum, themed “Harnessing Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Advance Disability Inclusion in Lagos State,” brought together disability service providers and other key stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the quality, safety and accessibility of services provided to Persons with Disabilities.
Oyetunde-Lawal said disability inclusion goes beyond providing services, stressing the need to create safe, accessible and dignified environments where Persons with Disabilities can live, learn, receive care and participate meaningfully in society.
“As service providers, we must recognise that inclusion goes beyond providing services. It also means creating safe, accessible and dignified environments where Persons with Disabilities can live, learn, receive care and participate meaningfully in society,” she said.
She particularly emphasised the need for proper safeguarding in residential homes, noting that the safety, privacy, dignity and best interests of children with disabilities must remain paramount.
The LASODA boss also urged service providers to exercise caution in documenting and sharing photographs, videos and personal information relating to children with disabilities, particularly on social media and other public platforms.
“We must also be mindful of how we document and publicise the lives of children with disabilities. Their privacy, dignity and best interests must remain paramount. These are important issues that require our collective attention,” she added.
She stressed that service providers must ensure that their activities, publicity and fundraising practices comply with the Lagos State Child Rights Law and other applicable child-protection and data-protection requirements.
Speaking on accessibility, the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Dr. Funmi Adekola, facilitated a session on “Creating Safe, Accessible and Inclusive Homes and Centres for PWDs.” She highlighted the need for residential facilities and service centres to be accessible, safe and responsive to the diverse needs of Persons with Disabilities.
Another session on “Safeguarding and Protection of Persons with Disabilities” was facilitated by the Director, Medical, Rehabilitation, Appliance and Mobility Aids, Mr. Viavonu Folorunsho, who emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the provisions of the Lagos State Child Rights Law.
The highly interactive sessions provided participants with an opportunity to share experiences, raise concerns and seek clarification on issues affecting the provision of services to Persons with Disabilities.
Also present were representatives of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment; Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board; and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), among other stakeholders in the disability community.
The stakeholders’ forum reaffirmed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing disability inclusion and improving the quality, accessibility and safety of services provided to Persons with Disabilities across Lagos State.
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