By TQM News
BADAGRY, Lagos – The disability community in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State has applauded the Executive Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, following the empowerment of 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the official handover of the first-ever dedicated Secretariat for the disability community in the area.
The landmark intervention, carried out under the sixth edition of the Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme, has been described as a major milestone in promoting disability inclusion, economic empowerment and accessible governance in Badagry.
The Association of Persons with Disabilities (APWD), Badagry Headquarters, in collaboration with the Badagry Deaf Association (BDA), commended the council chairman for what they described as an unprecedented demonstration of inclusive leadership that prioritises the welfare and dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the disability community, the President of APWD Badagry Headquarters and Chairman of the Badagry Deaf Association, Hon. Sejoro Ekundayo Peter, expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Hunpe, noting that the empowerment programme and the provision of a permanent office have restored hope to many Persons with Disabilities across the local government.
According to him, the cash support provided to 200 beneficiaries will go a long way in cushioning the impact of the current economic realities while creating opportunities for beneficiaries to become more self-reliant and financially independent.
He said the intervention reflects the chairman’s commitment to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are not left behind in governance and development initiatives.
“This empowerment is more than financial assistance. It is a demonstration that Persons with Disabilities are recognised as important members of society whose welfare deserves attention. The support will improve livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and restore hope to many families,” he said.
Beyond the financial empowerment, the disability community described the commissioning and handover of a dedicated Secretariat as a historic achievement that will significantly strengthen disability advocacy and organisational development in Badagry.
For the first time, Persons with Disabilities in the local government now have a permanent office to coordinate their activities, hold meetings, receive visitors, organise programmes and engage more effectively with government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.
Stakeholders believe the facility will serve as a central hub for promoting disability rights, fostering collaboration and advancing initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities.
Hon. Sejoro described the development as a legacy project that will be remembered for many years.
He noted that the absence of a permanent office had posed challenges to the operations of disability groups in the area, adding that the new secretariat would provide the institutional stability needed to strengthen advocacy, improve coordination and enhance service delivery to members.
“The provision of this Secretariat is a dream come true for the disability community in Badagry. It gives us a sense of identity and belonging. It will become a centre for advocacy, planning, leadership development and engagement with stakeholders. This is a legacy that will outlive the present administration,” he stated.
The disability community further noted that the gesture demonstrates that inclusive governance is achievable when leaders deliberately create opportunities for vulnerable groups to participate in development.
They added that the initiatives have strengthened the confidence of Persons with Disabilities, assuring them that their voices, aspirations and contributions are recognised and valued by the local government.
The groups also extended appreciation to the Vice Chairman, members of the Legislative Arm, the Secretary to the Local Government, council management, supervisors, special advisers, party leaders and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the programme.
They described the collective effort as a reflection of a government committed to building an inclusive society where every resident, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
Reaffirming their commitment to supporting the local government, the APWD Badagry Headquarters and the Badagry Deaf Association pledged to continue partnering with the council on initiatives that promote disability inclusion, equal opportunities and sustainable development.
They also assured the council chairman that the newly handed-over Secretariat would be properly maintained and effectively utilised for programmes and activities that would benefit the entire disability community.
As disability advocates continue to push for greater accessibility, inclusion and equal participation across Nigeria, stakeholders say the Badagry initiative provides a practical example of how local governments can translate disability-inclusive policies into meaningful action.
For many beneficiaries and members of the disability community, the empowerment of 200 Persons with Disabilities and the establishment of a dedicated Secretariat represent not just a government intervention but a significant step towards building a more inclusive Badagry where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to community development, irrespective of disability.
