By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with its agencies, on Wednesday marked the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an event held at the Whitehouse Event Centre, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja.
The commemoration, themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” underscored the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive governance and enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Represented by its Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) joined senior state officials at the gathering. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reiterated the administration’s resolve to build what she described as “the most disability-inclusive megacity in Africa.”
Other top officials present included the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, and the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende.
The state government highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving accessibility across public institutions and services. These include strengthening the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), expanding inclusive education programmes, enhancing healthcare facilities, and investing in accessible public transportation systems.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced the forthcoming launch of the Lagos Disability Inclusion Compact, a comprehensive framework intended to deepen accessibility standards, broaden inclusive education, and expand transportation support while boosting LASODA’s regulatory effectiveness.
The Governor’s message showcased success stories, including that of a visually impaired student in Surulere who experienced significant academic improvement after receiving a digital Braille tablet under the state’s inclusive education scheme.
General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting individuals across various disability groups through empowerment programmes and provision of assistive devices.
The event concluded with the distribution of assistive devices to more than 200 persons with disabilities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to shared responsibility in advancing disability inclusion through government action, private sector collaboration, civil society engagement, and community participation.
