By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Government has promised to ensure protection of children with disabilities to ensure they live a meaning life.
The state through it’s Office For Disability Affairs, LASODA, stated that disabled children will receive welfare on full integration into the society.
At a stakeholders’ forum held recently, LASODA General Manager, Adenike Lawal, mentioned that the state, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has organized initiatives to cater for the needs of disabled children and address issues relating to their acceptance in the society.
At the forum tagged ‘Ensuring the Protection of Children with Disabilities’, Lawal said that children with disabilities in both private and government care need to cohabit and grow up in safe environments. She stressed that their needs are more critical and require specialized care, attention and protection.
The agency’s GM maintained that LASODA has been working indefatigably to eliminate discriminating acts towards the disabled and provide them opportunities in terms of education, employment, and community life.
The National President of Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Rose Modi, condemned the societal discrimination against people with disabilities.
According to Modi, the act is cruel. She recommended the such unwanted act should be reported to necessary bodies and perpetrators should be made to face the law.
She disclosed that it is the responsibility of every home to take up the task of child protection. According to her, appropriate structures to improve the care given to disabled children should be put in place.
She mentioned that there is need for a conduct research to implement best practices that is obtainable around the world. She recommended that LASODA should ensure consistent training of it’s staff to upscale their knowledge and understanding in protecting people with disabilities.
