Lagos, Nigeria – In a move to fortify its dedication to the well-being and integration of children with disabilities, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that these children receive the necessary protection, support, and resources needed to thrive in society. This assurance comes as part of a broader vision set by the Lagos State Government to create an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of ability, can live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
During a recent stakeholders’ forum for service providers in Lagos’ disability community, themed “Ensuring the Protection of Children with Disabilities,” LASODA’s General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, passionately emphasized the urgent need to address the unique requirements of children with disabilities, particularly those living in both private and government care homes. The forum served as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the needs of these vulnerable children and ensure they are protected, empowered, and integrated into society.
Creating Safe and Nurturing Homes
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal underscored the critical importance of establishing safe and nurturing environments for children with disabilities, emphasizing that the home should be more than just a shelter. She explained that, for these children, a well-managed home is essential to their growth, development, and overall well-being.
“The home should be a sanctuary where children feel safe, loved, and accepted,” Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal remarked passionately. “For children with disabilities, a well-managed home is not just a shelter but a lifeline. It provides them with stability and serves as the foundation for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.”
She further highlighted that managing a home for a child with disabilities requires thoughtful planning, unwavering commitment, and specialized care. It must be a space where they are shielded from external challenges and provided with an environment that nurtures their abilities, celebrates their differences, and builds their self-esteem and confidence.
“Dear stakeholders, I believe we can all agree on the importance of instilling these values in our children early on, to help them grow into self-reliant, confident, and well-rounded individuals,” she stated, drawing applause from the audience.
Advancing Social Inclusion for Children with Disabilities
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal also took the opportunity to highlight LASODA’s ongoing efforts to champion social inclusion for persons with disabilities, a core aspect of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES PLUS developmental agenda. This agenda seeks to eliminate discrimination and create equal opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life.
“Our mandate is to create, enforce, and supervise policies that ensure Lagos remains a state where inclusion is the norm, and the rights of persons with special needs are fully recognized and protected,” she declared. “We tirelessly work to shield them from all forms of discrimination and to ensure equal access to opportunities in every aspect of life.”
The LASODA General Manager revealed that the agency has been working diligently to ensure that children with disabilities receive the attention they need to discover their potential and develop their talents. Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal called for collaboration among stakeholders, service providers, and caregivers to support children with disabilities and ensure they are fully integrated into society.
“Today’s forum will focus on how we can better manage our homes to ensure the well-being, safety, and development of our children. We will hear from experts on creating safe environments—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—for children with disabilities,” she added.
Collaboration with NGOs and Private Care Homes
Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private homes that care for children with disabilities, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal urged caregivers and parents to continue providing the necessary tools for these children’s development and success.
“Your dedication and commitment have been invaluable in improving the lives of these children. It is through such collaborative efforts that we will continue to make a meaningful, lasting impact. Let us all keep working together to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, receives the love, care, and opportunities they so richly deserve,” she noted.
Calls for Protection Against Discrimination and Abuse
During the forum, the National President of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Mrs. Rose Modi, delivered a compelling address on the theme of discrimination against people with disabilities. She called attention to the cruelty of discrimination faced by children with disabilities and urged those managing care homes to take a stand against any form of abuse.
“Discrimination against children with disabilities is an injustice that we must not tolerate. We have a collective responsibility to protect these children from harm and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect,” Mrs. Modi declared passionately. She urged care home managers to escalate cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice, advocating for zero tolerance toward any form of mistreatment.
Strategies for Effective Crisis Management
The forum also provided an avenue for experts to discuss effective strategies for managing homes and protecting children with disabilities. Key topics included crisis management, prevention, and adopting a holistic approach to the care of children with disabilities. Speakers urged parents and caregivers to avoid substance abuse, engage law enforcement when necessary, and adopt proactive measures to prevent crises from arising in the first place.
They recommended establishing crisis management teams, developing clear crisis management policies, creating comprehensive emergency response plans, training staff in crisis management techniques, and setting up effective communication protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of children in their care.
A Vision of Inclusion and Support
The event concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to the cause of protecting and nurturing children with disabilities in Lagos State. Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal reaffirmed LASODA’s pledge to create an inclusive society where children with disabilities can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
“We have a vision where no child is left behind,” she declared. “Together, we will continue to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and ensure that every child with a disability is given the opportunity to live a life of dignity, purpose, and fulfillment.”
This stakeholder forum has once again shone a light on the collective responsibility to protect and support children with disabilities, reaffirming that when it comes to building an inclusive society, every effort counts, every voice matters, and every child deserves a chance to shine.
