Gbenga Oloniniran
The Lagos State Government has called on residents to support people with disabilities and to stop all forms of discrimination against them.
The appeal was made by the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, stated on Wednesday during the 2024 Ability Expo: Showcasing Creativity event held at Ikeja.
She explained that the initiative was organised for PWDs to showcase their inherent skills and abilities through various works of art, vocations, and trades, and also participate in various competitions.
Oyetunde-Lawal said, “I urge society to support persons with disabilities. Their creativity and potential are boundless when given the opportunity.
“Let us end discrimination and instead create an enabling environment that recognises their talents and contributions. You will agree with me that many PWDs excel in their fields despite their challenges.
“Recently, the agency supported 100 PWDs with N100,000 each to cushion the effects of economic hardship.”
Also speaking at the event, a retired Director at LASODA, Akintunde Oguntoye, urged the government to assist PWDs to establish business through loans and other means of financial support.
“Improve yourself by attending more workshops and seminars in order to attain more knowledge to scale up your business and let us try to encourage others to acquire a skill of their choice and discourage the art of begging on the streets,” he added.
In March, the Federal Government said it was determined to stand by Nigerians living with disabilities and to protect their rights against discrimination, stigmatisation and marginalisation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Isa, stated this at the inauguration of the Leprosy Mission of Nigeria Wellness Connect in Abuja.
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