The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has disbursed N24 million as a special intervention fund to 12 registered Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across the state, presented on Thursday, 3rd September at the agency’s premises in Alausa Ikeja. ‎‎
Speaking during the event, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the intervention is aimed at granting direct financial support to registered OPDs, improving the management of these organizations and promoting their capacity to provide access to grassroots services as well as advocacy and economic empowerment programmes to persons with disabilities.‎‎
She added that the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda of the state’s current administration, through its exercise of commitment to social inclusion and ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to contribute significantly to Lagos’ development.‎‎
“When we invest in persons with disabilities, we are not merely providing welfare. We are creating opportunities for people to become productive, independent and active contributors to the social and economic development of Lagos State. ‎‎
“This is why strengthening our Organisations of Persons with Disabilities is a strategic social investment,” she said. ‎‎
According to the General Manager, OPDs are important stakeholders in the state’s efforts to advance disability inclusion, stating that their access to persons with disabilities at the grassroots level uniquely positions them to identify needs, provide support and strengthen inclusion within their communities.‎‎
“To our Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, I want to say: LASODA sees you, values your contribution and recognises you as important partners in the work of inclusion.‎‎
“We expect you to make the best possible use of this opportunity and, most importantly, to ensure that the impact of this intervention is felt by the persons and communities you represent,” the General Manager stated. ‎‎
She reaffirmed LASODA’s dedication to deepening partnerships with disability organisations and backing initiatives that improve the welfare, involvement and socio-economic inclusion of persons with disabilities in Lagos.‎‎
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tolani Ojuri, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiary organisations, was thankful to the Lagos State Government and LASODA for the intervention and continued partnership with the disability community.