By Kehinde Adeleye
The Chairman Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Usman Akanbi- Hamzat has once again acknowledged that everyone in the local government matters to his administration.
Usman who participated and led member of his team during the time ‘Walk2SaveALive’ Charity Walk which was organised by the Down syndrome foundation over the weekend has shown the genuine inclusivity of his government by actively identifying with the Down syndrome community.
The Charity Walk extended from the Local Government Secretariat at Idiagbon to the Excellence Hotel intersection and returned with a long train of volunteers and Local Government officials, including the Down Syndrome.
“All are welcome in our administration as we have shown through trainings and the empowerment of people with disabilities (PWDs) since this administration’s begin, everyone counts in Ifako-Ijaiye by participating in this walk and other events organized to honor Down Syndrome Awareness Week, we are strengthening our commitment to inclusivity today,” he said.
The Council Chairman also reaffirmed that people with Down syndrome are valuable contributors to society who have a lot of potential and shouldn’t be ignored while integrating into the society.
The Down Syndrome building in Ifako Ijaiye, which houses an administrative block and vocational centers (for hairdressing, hair stylist, art & craft, bakery, farm, poultry, photography studio, and music studio), hosted Prince Usman on an inspection visit a few weeks ago.
The Down Syndrome Foundation visited the Council Chairman, where he promised to familiarize with the foundation, actively engage them and support their initiatives.
Mrs Rose Mordi (President/CEO, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria) expressed utmost appreciation to the Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye for his openness, honesty and support for humanity.
“We at Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria has been doing this for more than a decade and this is the first time a local government chairman will openly accept and support us.
“These beautiful children will forever be grateful for this exceptional kind gesture from Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat and his team. He has successfully changed our mindset about very few people advocating for good governance at the Grassroot.”
Other events earmarked to commemorate the Down Syndrome Awareness Week are Medical Outreach, Seminar, Celebrity Car Wash, Family Funfair and Awareness Thanksgiving.
