Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday launched a N500million Disability Trust Fund for physically-challenged persons in line with Section 12 of the Special People’s Law. He called on individuals, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders to support the fund to reduce the challenges of such people.
Ambode, who spoke at an event held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, tagged “Ability in Disability,” said he chose to celebrate Democracy Day with them to fulfill his pledge to give every individual a voice in his administration. The event, he said, afforded them opportunity to showcase their talents and enjoined Nigerians to encourage and show them love instead of pity.
He said: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to appeal to all Lagosians to embrace people living with disabilities. Do not discriminate against them. All they require is care, support and opportunity to live a fulfilled and productive life just like any of us.” The Governor called out four of them – Dr Waheed Oki, who runs one of the largest clinics in Badagry; Shade Sulaiman, a programmer with Lagos Television; Akin Akinloye, leader of Sugar Band and Leila Atake, a lawyer, to join him on the stage.