Stakeholders in the disability sector have called on the Lagos State Government to adopt more disability-responsive healthcare policies and strengthen social protection programmes to address the unique needs of persons with disabilities across the state.
The call was made during the final phase of a three-part intervention programme aimed at enhancing independent living and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, organised by BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM), with support from Michael Fadeyi, a PhD researcher at the University of Sussex and the Oliver familyin UK.
In his goodwill message, Michael Fadeyi shared that the distribution was aimed at improving access to education and enhancing the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Fadeyi, who noted that the distribution was to complement the effort of the Lagos State government, stressed the need for the government’s health initiatives to address the realities faced by persons with disabilities.
Fadeyi shared that “disability often comes with hidden financial burdens that leave many persons with disabilities economically disadvantaged despite being employed”, adding that disability-related expenses significantly reduce disposable income and increase vulnerability to poverty.
“The implication is clear: a one-size-fits-all approach will not adequately serve persons with disabilities. Health programmes must be disability-responsive, inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of different impairment groups,” he added.
Fadeyi also drew attention to the often-overlooked needs of parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, particularly mothers, who sacrifice employment opportunities and commit substantial financial resources to medical care, therapy, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
To address these challenges, he urged the government to expand social protection initiatives to include caregivers through financial empowerment programmes, livelihood support, health insurance coverage, and other family-centred interventions.
In her remarks, Dr Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) representing the General Manager, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, appreciated BOFIM and the supporters for the initiative, which will help to enhance the well-being of PWDs
Dr Adekola noted that the Lagos State government has rolled out different forms of support to PWDs, but the government cannot do it alone, and encouraged stakeholders within the space to join hands with the government to promote the rights of PWDs in the state.
She also encouraged the beneficiaries to make valuable use of the items received.
Blessing Oladunjoye, the Executive Director of BOFIM, shared that the initiative was born out of the need to enhance access to learning, build communal and social life and enhance independent living of persons with disabilities,
Oladunjoye stressed that BOFIM is committed to advancing the rights of marginalised persons, and would continue to provide necessary support as necessary.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Sunday Amabli, who represented the Special Education Unit, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, appreciated the desktop computer given to the unit.
He said, “our students use typewriters currently; with the computer, they can learn better and be computer literate, which would be useful in preparing them ahead of higher institutions.
With this, they can cope effectively in the higher institutions. Medications can be very expensive
The items distributed include: two desktop computers, anti-seizure medication for three months for 10 children with cerebral palsy, games and learning materials for blind students, accessible BP monitors for blind people; guide cane and talking wristwatch, and one wheelchair.
The beneficiaries were drawn from different groups including the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Let Cerebral Kids Learn Foundation, Divine International Centre Solution for the Blind, Nigeria Association for the Blind (NAB) and Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDDN).
Earlier, the group donated a desktop computer and standalone scanner to the Visually Impaired Unit of the University of Lagos Library to support accessible learning, and also donated a washing machine to Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted to improve students’ welfare.
