LASODA, UNFPA Inaugurates Technical Working Committee Disabilitiity Inclusion In Lagos

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has taken a significant step toward strengthening disability inclusion with the inauguration of a Technical Working Committee on Disability Inclusion. The ceremony held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together representatives from key MDAs, disability advocacy groups, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, highlighting a unified commitment to fostering an inclusive Lagos.

The newly established committee will serve as a central platform to drive coordination, collaboration, and alignment of sectoral efforts geared toward enhancing the participation and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Speaking during the inauguration, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized that the committee marks a crucial milestone in advancing disability-inclusive policies and ensuring that PWDs can thrive across all spheres of life. She described the initiative as essential to building a society where everyone has equal access to opportunities, irrespective of ability.

Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to fair and equitable governance, noting that inclusiveness remains a core focus of the State’s developmental agenda. The event featured a presentation by Disability and Inclusion Analyst, Mrs. Laolu Akande, who spoke on “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Law,” creating a deeper understanding of existing legal frameworks that protect the rights of PWDs.

Following this, Barrister Safiu presented the Terms of Reference for the Lagos State Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (LSDITWG), which were formally adopted by the participants. Breakout sessions coordinated by Dr. Esther Somefun and Dr. Adekola further allowed participants to develop actionable strategies tailored to improving disability inclusion across various sectors, laying a foundation for measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

Barrister Safiu commended UNFPA for its dedicated partnership and continued support in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities in policy formulation. The Technical Working Committee comprises members from government agencies, disability advocacy groups, development partners, and private sector representatives, all united in the mission to advance disability inclusion and strengthen governance structures in Lagos State.s.