In a momentous event at the Lagos State Government House in Alausa Ikeja, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the inaugural edition of the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program. The groundbreaking initiative is spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities (OSSAP), with the aim of fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The flag-off ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including the Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, representing Governor Sanwo-Olu. Also in attendance was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo. Hon. Prisca Nwangwu, the Public Relations Liaison Assistant to the SSAP, added to the gathering of prominent figures committed to championing disability inclusion.
Expressing the governor’s dedication to the cause, Mr. Ogunlende affirmed the Lagos State government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the OSSAP to achieve the noble objectives of the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program. Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged to engage and collaborate with fellow governors to ensure the successful implementation of the program’s objectives, highlighting the importance of awareness and cooperation in achieving inclusivity.
The genesis of this initiative can be traced back to President Tinubu’s unyielding commitment to inclusivity under his Renewed Hope Agenda. In line with this vision, Hon. Abba Isa was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities. President Tinubu tasked him with proactively integrating the needs and perspectives of persons with disabilities into the policies and programs of all federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Furthermore, the President mandated Hon. Abba Isa to collaborate closely with sub-national authorities to establish a national consensus on PWD-friendly policies and environmental conditions, working in tandem with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). This directive underscores the holistic approach taken by the administration to ensure inclusivity permeates all levels of governance.
As the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program gains momentum, it not only serves as a testament to the commitment of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his counterparts but also signals a transformative step towards a more inclusive society. The program’s objectives align seamlessly with the broader national agenda of fostering equality and ensuring that every segment of society is adequately represented and catered to.
In the coming months, stakeholders anticipate collaborative efforts among state governors, guided by the principles set forth in the program, to create meaningful change in policies and practices. The Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program stands as a beacon of progress, heralding a future where the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are woven into the fabric of governance and societal development.
For more information on the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program and updates on its impactful initiatives, stay tuned for regular updates from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
