The Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry Federation, Comrade Gboweh Gabriel, has assured that the council will appoint two directors to represent persons with disabilities in the decision-making process within the Executive Council of NYCN Badagry.
He gave this assurance while receiving a visiting team from the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry Chapter (APWD) and the Badagry Deaf Association (formerly Badagry Welfare Association of the Deaf), led by its Chairman, Mr. Sejoro Ekundayo Peter, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Gabriel emphasized that the council is open to collaboration and remains committed to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Badagry.
According to him, “The council is open to collaboration, and these are the kinds of engagements we have been expecting from our society and communities. Today, we are very glad to receive this team representing persons with disabilities. We have carefully reviewed your requests as outlined in your letter, and we are committed to working towards achieving its primary objectives. One of the key areas of focus is ensuring permanent disability representation in the Executive Councils of the Local Government and LCDAs in Badagry Federation.
“Recently, the Lagos State Government initiated efforts to ensure disability representation at the state level. If such an initiative is being implemented at the state level, it is only logical that local governments follow suit. This will ensure that persons with disabilities have dedicated representatives whose voices will be heard in governance.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry Chapter (APWD), Mr. Sejoro Ekundayo Peter, reiterated the need for permanent disability representation in the Executive Council of the local government and LCDAs in Badagry. He emphasized that appointing representatives from the disability community would give them a voice in governance and ensure their interests are prioritized.
He also advocated for a 5% slot allocation for persons with disabilities in training, empowerment, and employment programs, as mandated by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and the Lagos State Special People’s Law, 2011.
Ekundayo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Badagry Deaf Association, further called for support in advocating for the establishment of a disability desk at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, LCDAs, and the General Hospital.
According to him, “As a key stakeholder, your voice will be instrumental in ensuring that the rights, needs, and contributions of persons with disabilities are recognized and properly addressed at the local government and LCDA levels.”
Other key requests included: Inclusion in council social activities, collaboration on disability-related events and empowerment initiatives, enforcement of disability laws and policies.
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