LAGOS STATE OFFICE FOR DISABILITY AFFAIRS MARKS WORLD WHEELCHAIR DAY
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) commemorated World Wheelchair Day by donating manual wheelchairs to persons with physical disabilities, providing essential mobility aids that enhance their independence. This initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and improving the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities.
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, expressed her gratitude to the Lagos State Ministry of Health for its vital support in making the event possible. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between Agencies in improving accessibility for persons with disabilities.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we have received these wheelchairs and will distribute them to beneficiaries in celebration of World Wheelchair Day,” Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal said.
She also highlighted the theme for this year, which emphasised the positive impact that wheelchairs have on the lives of users, promoting their independence and integration into society.
“We see you, we acknowledge you, and we are here to support you. We hope that future partnerships will continue to enhance accessibility, particularly regarding wheelchairs, in the years ahead,” she added.
The Lagos State Government
The presentation event also highlighted the need for continued advocacy for accessible infrastructure.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal urged institutions and property owners to ensure their buildings are wheelchair-friendly, emphasising that accessibility is a fundamental right for individuals with disabilities.
“Every institution and property owner must remember that wheelchair users exist. If you build structures that are not accessible, you limit the independence of these individuals. It is essential that schools, religious institutions, cinemas, and all buildings are designed with accessibility in mind so that wheelchair users can live as independently as possible,” she stressed.
Beneficiaries, including homes catering to children with disabilities and individuals with disabilities, expressed their gratitude to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs and the Lagos State Government for their continuous support. They acknowledged the significance of the gesture in improving their mobility and overall well-being.
The event serves as an important reminder of the progress made in ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to mobility aids and the necessary resources to live more independent lives. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of the Lagos State Government to create a more inclusive society for all.
World Wheelchair Day, celebrated globally on the 1st of March, serves as a reminder of the importance of mobility aids in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society