The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal says the Agency is willing to collaborate with organisations supporting the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Oyetunde-Lawal stated this during the courtesy visit to LASODA by a team from the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN)- an independent non-profit organisation established for the promotion of, and respect for the human rights of women and young girls, especially their sexual and reproductive health on Thursday.
She explained that the Agency remains committed to advancing the cause of Persons with Disability and will always welcome any organisation that supports similar objectives.
In her words, “We are open to collaborating with your organisation. I am very much for projects of this nature that seek to protect and safeguard the rights of PWDs while ensuring that they are adequately educated on ways to protect themselves against all forms of discrimination and abuse. We are currently looking to decentralise our programmes which will take awareness to grassroots such as schools, community, religious organisations, and other groups of people. So, having your support is very much appreciated”.
Speaking further, the General Manager said it is essential that a holistic approach is employed to ensure messages are disseminated to cause a change of mindset on Persons With Disabilities, stressing that conscious efforts must be made to educate the people that persons with disabilities are part of the society and all must work together to ensure their full integration and protection at all times.
She added that LASODA is willing to partner with as many organisations as possible that are focused on changing the lives of PWDs as a lot needs to be done because the government cannot do it alone.
Earlier, Mrs. Tinuke Odukoya, the leader of the visiting team, said the Centre is currently carrying out a project that is funded by the UN Trust Fund, aimed at putting an end to violence against girls and women regardless of status or disability.
The main objective of the project, according to her, is to strengthen the existing Prevention and Response Structure in Lagos and Osun States to provide adequate response to women and girls with disabilities.
She appreciated the opportunity given to their organisation, noting that she looks forward to working together with the Agency to ensure the protection of PWDs.
The interactive session had in attendance representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Olorunfemi Oluwatoyin; Gender-Based Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Tumininu Oni and Ms. Akinwunmi Tomisin, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mrs. Ogunlana Ifeoluwa among others
