News Nigeria

Lagos Empowers Persons with Disabilities in Civil Service with Assistive Tools and Devices

In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Lagos State Government through its Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has equipped approximately 50 civil servants with disabilities with various assistive tools and devices to enhance their productivity and independence in the workplace.

During an event held at the STO Resource Centre in Alausa-Ikeja, General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, announced that the initiative included the distribution of 23 laptops, some of which are equipped with speech-assisted software for visually impaired staff, calculators, and motorized wheelchairs. The government also issued checks worth N1.1 million each to 11 individuals for procuring prosthetics, as part of its commitment to advancing inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the state’s civil service.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been noted for its proactive approach to social inclusion, as highlighted by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu. “This initiative is in fulfillment of the Governor’s social inclusion agenda, which provides for all individuals with special needs,” she remarked during the event.

The gesture aligns with the Lagos State Special People’s Law of 2011, which upholds the fundamental rights of PWDs. Lagos has been recognized as a leader in employment for PWDs nationwide, with this latest initiative furthering its reputation. “Lagos still remains a higher employer of PWDs in the nation, and our responsibility is to continue to provide assistive devices and every form of assistance that we can provide to PWDs in the state, championing it across the nation and hopefully across the continent of Africa,” Oyetunde-Lawal stated.

The event’s significance is underscored by the government’s ongoing efforts to support PWDs, including previous initiatives like the employment of 250 PWDs into the civil service back in 2017 and the distribution of assistive technologies and mobility aids to over 2,000 individuals with disabilities.

The provision of these tools is not just about improving the work environment for PWDs but also about setting a precedent for other states and possibly countries to follow. The initiative demonstrates how assistive technology can be leveraged to break down barriers to employment, ensuring that all citizens can contribute to and benefit from the state’s development.

The Lagos State Government’s actions reflect a broader global push towards recognizing assistive technology as a fundamental right for those with disabilities, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Sustainable Development Goals.

As Lagos continues to lead by example, there’s anticipation around how this initiative will influence future policies and practices not just in Nigeria but across Africa, promoting a culture where inclusivity and accessibility are not just ideals but realities in the civil service and beyond.

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