The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) has held a two-day conference on the leadership of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and elected new executives to steer the leadership of the association for the next four years.
The conference, which aligns with the theme of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” captured diverse thematic areas to promote the rights and inclusion of PWDs, specifically the Blind and visually impaired in the society.
The topics discussed during the two-day conference spanned domestic violence, insurance, and education, underscoring the need to ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind in societal conversations.
To commence the conference, Mr. Babatunde Mohammed, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, in his welcome address shared that the conference which coincides with the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 has been organized to equip members of NAB Lagos.
He shared that the sessions that would be covered during the conference have been designed to speak to the immediate needs of participants as they are current trends.
In his presentation, Mr. Laja Shoniran, CEO of Financial Literacy for All educated attendees on the importance of insurance in safeguarding business, health, and property.
He explained various types of insurance, including group, disability, and national health insurance, while stressing the necessity of having a steady source of income to support these financial plans.
Ms. Pamela Daniel of the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) shed light on domestic violence and its impact on children’s mental health, emphasizing that persons with disabilities (PWDs) often face double the risk of abuse compared to those without disabilities.
She discussed different forms of violence such as physical, sexual, and controlling behavior, and their effects, including depression, academic struggles, and low self-esteem.
“No one should make you feel less of yourself,” Pamela reassured participants, while also emphasizing legal consequences for perpetrators of violence.
Also, Mr. Elijah Akinyemi, retired Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, addressed the transformative power of education for persons with disabilities. He highlighted the economic, social, and personal benefits of education, including its role in breaking down stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the outgoing NAB Lagos Chairman, Barrister Lukman Salami, shared his personal journey and encouraged participants not to let their disabilities define their potential.
He called on members of the association and other PWDs at large, to embrace leadership and make a difference in their communities.
The second day of the conference witnessed the election of new officials, supervised by Comrade Adelekan Bello, NAB South West Zonal Coordinator.
Delegates from Lagos West, Lagos East, and Lagos Central Senatorial districts participated in a transparent voting process, resulting in the election of the following officers:
- Lion Taiwo Amoo as the Chairman
- Faith Ekinaborh as the Vice Chairman
- Oluwakemi Odusanya as the Secretary
- Anuoluwapo Ojo as the Assistant Secretary
- Oluwabukola Ogunsanya as the Women Leader
- Awiri Emmanuel as the Youth Leader
- Yemisi Mary Wilson as the Assistant Secretary, Youth Wing
- Owoiya Taofik as Treasurer
- Banjo Yetunde as the Public Relations Officer
- Oluwagbenga Ogunfuyi as the Lagos East Coordinator
- Afolabi Kayode as the Lagos West Coordinator
In his acceptance speech, Mr Lion Taiwo Amoo appreciated NAB members for bestowing their trust in him to lead the association for the next four years. He assured that he will continue to work to promote the interest of the association.
