The Association of Handicapped Persons Welfare has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to intervene in recovering a parcel of land allegedly encroached upon during a road construction project in the Ikorodu area of the state.
Speaking at the association’s 33rd Excellence Awards and Anniversary celebration held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the President, Mr. Princewill David, said the reclaimed land would be used for a creativity and vocational training centre for persons with disabilities.
“We appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to assist us in re-allocating our land, which was encroached upon by the Lagos State government through the construction of a road at Ewu-Elepe, Ikorodu, for our proposed creativity vocational centre project,” he said.
David added that since its establishment in 1992, the association has empowered over 5,000 persons with disabilities through various initiatives and created awareness to honour outstanding individuals. He also mentioned progress on a borehole project at the association’s Fadeyi secretariat, which already has a pumping machine, two tanks, and scaffolding pipes installed.
He, however, appealed for financial assistance to complete ongoing welfare projects.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Pastor Chidi Nwankwo, noted that issues of faith and community development must include persons with disabilities. He emphasized the association’s efforts to educate members against drug abuse and urged parents not to neglect children with disabilities.
Representing the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, Mr. Baruwa Adebodun reaffirmed that “there is ability in disability” and encouraged the association to report cases of gender-based violence.
An award recipient, Mrs. Temitope Balogun, thanked the association for the recognition and pledged continued advocacy for disability awareness and inclusion.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.