Razaq Bamidele
Last Friday, February 11, 2022 will remain a red letter day in the life of persons with special needs in the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State as they were given the golden opportunity to interact with the Lagos State Office of Disability (LASODA).
Making their dream a reality was the former Chairman of the council and one time Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when he was Governor of Lagos State, Comrade Kehinde Bamigbetan.
Bamigbetan, who is aspiring to occupy a seat at the House of Representatives on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II Lagos State in 2023 welcomed the participants to the Forum which took place at the conference room of the council.
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In his welcome speech, the veteran journalist and grassroots politician explained that, in the course of his consultation with 42 communities on their needs and aspirations, he discovered that many persons with special needs in Ejigbo were suffering in silence.
He lamented that, many physically challenged alleged they were not empowered by LASODA and both the deaf and blind, believed the agency wasn’t doing enough to get them jobs in the state public service.
“I, therefore, promised them that I will not wait till I become their representative in the Lower House of the National Assembly before addressing their demand. So, I set up a meeting of the leaders of persons with special needs and we sent a letter to LASODA articulating our demands and requesting for a meeting with them,” Bamigbetan informed.
The aspirant to the Naional Assembly thereafter thanked the General Manager of LASODA, Mr. Dare Dairo for responding promptly to the correspondence when he followed up the letter and opted to come to Ejigbo to meet persons living with special needs in Ejigbo instead of waiting for them at the LASODA office in Alausa.
His words: “This is a rare community-friendly approach to engagement that reflects the leadership style of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.”
Hon. Mansuru Bello Obe, the chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, who was ably represented on the occasion, in his own address commended LASODA for responding to the persons living with special needs.
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Ably represented by the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Lanre Adebowale, the Chairman pledged the support of his administration to the implementation of LASODA’s policies which seek to improve the condition of persons with special needs.
While explaining the plans of the agency, LASODA General Manager, Dairo unveiled the prototype of a footwear factory and braille computer unit to be built in each of the five divisions of the state.
He also disclosed the gency’s plans to build its office in three council areas, including Ejigbo LCDA and organise the largest Empowerment Programme ever witnessed in recent times, just as he urged participants to acquire skills and engage in self-employment as there are not enough government vacancies to absorb everybody.
He confessed that even people without special needs in the community are also competing for the same jobs, adding that, the peculiar requirements of employing persons with special needs such as walking aids and compliant office environment discourage employers!
While assuring them of LASODA’s determination to roll out programmes and projects to enhance their chances, Dairo disclosed that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the Empowerment programme initially slated to hold last year implying that there will be two programmes this year.
In another development, when Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan paid homage to the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, Ilufemiloye I, on Sunday, March 13, he joined the monarch to mark Isolo Central Mosque’s anniversary which he attended in the company of the chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Otunba Adebayo Olasoju and his Ejigbo LCDA Counterpart, Hon. Monsuru Bello Obe.
Bamigbetan praised the Osolo for his open door policy and fatherly disposition, promising to always seek the royal father’s advice in community matters with a view to achieving success as an elected member of the House of Representatives.
Unfolding a few of his programmes, he said he shall propose motions, resolutions and ensure the enactment of bills to make resources available for local governments and communities regretting that the economic crisis in Nigeria has made it necessary to go beyond law making to cater for the welfare of the poor and empower the skilled.