The discussion surrounding disability is highly delicate, especially considering that awareness about disabilities is just beginning to gain traction. In this context, the involvement of Local Governments (LGs) in the disability discourse is long overdue, as they possess the capacity to connect with individuals with disabilities at the grassroots level.
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has called upon the various local government bodies and local council development areas within the state to support the state government’s vision by developing policies and programs in education and healthcare that directly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities.
During a recent town-hall meeting with Heads of Departments of Agriculture and Social Services from various councils in the state, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, emphasized the crucial role LGAs must play in conjunction with LASODA to reach the grassroots.
“The collaboration between the state and local government is essential, as it is through local governments that we can effectively engage with the grassroots community. Therefore, it is imperative that we work together harmoniously to ensure the best, most efficient, and highest quality service delivery for the people we aim to serve,” stated Oke-Osanyintolu during the meeting.
The purpose of this meeting, themed ‘The Role of Local Government Authority in Enhancing Access to Health and Education for People with Disabilities at the Grassroots,’ was to provide the Ministry with an opportunity to hear the perspectives of various physically-challenged groups on how they perceive the government’s interventions pertaining to persons with disabilities.
In addition, Olawadamilare Ogundairo, the General Manager of LASODA, explained that the town hall gathering served as an educational platform for grassroots officials, enlightening them about their responsibilities in promoting inclusive education and ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. It also provided a valuable opportunity to receive feedback from stakeholders on ways to enhance service delivery for individuals with disabilities.
By emphasizing the critical involvement of local governments and fostering effective communication channels with grassroots communities, LASODA is taking a significant step towards integrating the LGs into the disability discourse, a move long overdue but essential for meaningful progress.
