Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday
inaugurated the Governing Board of the Office for Disability Affairs to manage
the N500million Disability Trust Fund, expressing optimism that it would aid
people living with disabilities in Lagos State realize their dreams and live a
more comfortable life.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Alausa, while
inaugurating the Board, said it was in fulfillment of his administration’s
promise to ensure that the affairs of people living with disabilities is
managed by people passionate enough to show that there is ability in
disability.
Describing the development as another milestone in his
commitment to run an all-inclusive government, the Governor said the Board
will, on behalf of the State Government, manage the affairs of people living
with disabilities by issuing guidelines for their education, social development
and welfare.
“The Board will also manage the Disability Trust Fund. In
fulfillment of the promise I made on May 29th, 2016, this Fund has in its kitty
today, N500m with a marching order to solicit from the public and other
charitable organisations, additional support for its objectives.
“We could not have done otherwise, given the array of people
with disabilities who possess requisite qualification, experience and
character.
“In addition, we believe in their ability to manage the
Disability Trust Fund more judiciously because they have a more personal
understanding of the needs and situation of our less privileged people. This
fund will give our brothers and sisters a needed boost to make a livelihood for
themselves and a chance to fulfill their potentials,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, assured that notwithstanding the
N500million Trust Fund, people living with disabilities are still eligible to
access the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF).
Governor Ambode, while congratulating the members of the
Board, tasked them to ensure that the principles of transparency,
accountability, inclusiveness and fairness are observed in administering the
Fund and coordinating all affairs concerning people living with disabilities.
“It is my belief that the fund should provide infrastructure
and facilities required by needed parties to also complement the efforts of our
administration,” he said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs
Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said that people living with disabilities have the same
right as everyone else, noting that with proper planning, a person with special
needs can have a more fulfilling, healthier and enjoyable life, hence the
fulfillment of the Governor’s promise of the N500million fund to take care of
people living with disabilities.
“This is an important step towards scaling up efforts to
address disability inclusion and further strengthen the fact that social
exclusion of persons living with disabilities is unacceptable in the face of
economic and social progress in the state”, Akinbile-Yusuf said.
In his vote of assurance, Chairman of the Board of Trustee,
Office For Disability Affairs, Dr. Oki Olabodunrin Waheed, thanked the Governor
for reposing confidence in him and his team, just as he assured that they would
discharge their duties conscientiously.
Other members of the Board are Leila Omawumi Atake, Rose
Ekaete Mordi, Abdulwahab Matepo, Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, Dr. Adebayo
Adebukola Shehu, Biola Liadi, Bada Emmanuel Oladipupo, Hakeem Muri-Okunola,
representing the Ministry of Youth and Social Development; and Dr. Babatunde
Awelenje.
0 Comments