In a heartening display of commitment to inclusivity and welfare, Mr. Bode Agoro, the Head of Service (HOS) for Lagos State, extended a reassuring hand to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) within the State Public Service. This significant assurance came during a momentous meeting held on Friday at his office in Alausa, Ikeja, where he warmly welcomed members of the Association of Lagos State Civil Servants with Disabilities.
Agoro, with conviction and compassion, emphasized the longstanding policy of the State Government to ensure the welfare and well-being of all its workforce. He underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, affirming that they are indeed special members of society deserving of equal opportunities and support.
“The State Government is unwavering in its dedication to providing preferential treatment for people with disabilities, ensuring they are on par with their fellow public servants,” Agoro reiterated with sincerity.
Furthermore, Agoro made a resolute commitment to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not overlooked in crucial areas such as staff training, welfare provisions, and other incentives designed to benefit public servants across the State. His words echo a sentiment of inclusivity and progress, promising tangible actions to uphold the dignity and rights of PWDs in the workplace.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Lukman Salami, conveyed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Association for the steadfast efforts of the Head of Service in addressing welfare-related issues affecting staff within the State. Salami expressed gratitude for the enactment of the Lagos State Special Peoples Law 2010, as well as the establishment of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), underscoring the pivotal role these initiatives play in fostering a more inclusive society.
Among the distinguished government officials present during this landmark encounter were Mrs. ‘Sunkanmi Oyegbola, the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office, and Mr. Bode Obadina, her counterpart in the Civil Service Commission. Their presence signifies the collective commitment of the government to prioritize the welfare and rights of all its citizens, including those with disabilities.
The visiting team from the Association included esteemed members such as Mr. Batula Olasehindemi, the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Association of Civil Servants With Disabilities, Mr. Ademiluyi Adebowale, the Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Safiu, the Assistant Secretary, and Mr. Sanusi Hakeem, the Publicity Secretary. Their participation underscores the unity and determination within the disability community to advocate for their rights and well-being.
As the echoes of this pivotal meeting resonate, it serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the journey towards a more inclusive society. With the unwavering support of government officials like Mr. Bode Agoro and the collective efforts of organizations such as the Association of Lagos State Civil Servants with Disabilities, the path towards equality and empowerment for Persons With Disabilities in Lagos State grows ever brighter.
