AMBODE EMPOWERS PLWDs WITH ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has distributed assistive devices to about 1,000 People Living With Disabilities, PLWDs, with a promise to continue to prioritize the interest of the vulnerable ones in the society.

The Governor also gave empowerment grants of N10 million to PLWDs, as a way of assisting them to be self-dependent and also earn a living on their own.

Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Agboola Dabiri at the official presentation of the assistive devices and empowerment grants to PLWDs on Tuesday, at De Blue Roof, Lagos Television premises, in Ikeja, commended the Lagos State Office of Disabilities Affairs,LASODA, for instituting policies, plans and programmes that would guarantee equal rights and opportunities for PLWDs.

He recalled that the present administration initiated the N500 million Disability Trust Fund with the aim of assisting and empowering persons living with disabilities in the state.

According to him, the implementation of the disability fund was geared towards the advancement of the cause of PLWDs in the state and that individuals, corporate organisations and government institutions, among others could contribute to the fund as a way of jointly ameliorating the challenges facing physically challenged person.

He used the occasion to restate his desire to totally get PWD off the Street, stressing that empowerment of this nature was crucial towards making PWDs productive and fit into societal life.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Development, Joyce Onafowokan advocated the need for early support for children with disabilities.

She added that developmental delay for these children with special needs could lead to environmental risks, such as drug abuse and lack of proper pre-natal care.

The General Manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, LASODA, Dr. Babatunde Awelenje said the N500 million disability fund had greatly assisted in addressing some challenges confronting PLWDs.