The Lagos state government has reaffirmed its commitment to social inclusivity and the empowerment of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) during the 13th edition of the Irede Foundation’s “Out on a Limb” awareness walk.
- +Lagos, foundation champion diversity and inclusion for persons with disability
- +Private sector support and future goals
The foundation, founded by Crystal Chigbu, social entrepreneur and development consultant, supports children with limb loss and young amputees, providing prosthetics and other walking aids to children 18 and under, while advocating for a barrier-free society.
The foundation, founded by Crystal Chigbu, social entrepreneur and development consultant, supports children with limb loss and young amputees, providing prosthetics and other walking aids to children 18 and under, while advocating for a barrier-free society.
The awareness walk saw high-ranking government officials join hundreds of advocates and private sector partners such as IHS Towers, PZ Customs, UAC Foods and others.
The foundation and its partners has funded prosthetic limbs for numerous children and supported their educational needs as they outgrow their original prosthetics.
Government vows to leave no one behind Addressing participants at the conclusion of the walk, Bolaji Ogunlende, commissioner for Youth and Social Development emphasised that the state’s participation is a deliberate act of solidarity rather than mere optics.
“Our Governor has vowed not to leave anyone behind, irrespective of their background, race, or disability,” the commissioner stated. “This walk is one of the many ways we lend our voice and our hand to people living with disabilities. We are being intentional and deliberate to ensure we practice true inclusivity.”
The commissioner noted that the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) remains a central pillar of his ministry, ensuring that all state activities are viewed through the lens of accessibility.
Reforming the urban landscape Responding to inquiries regarding the enabling environment for PWDs in Lagos, Ogunlende highlighted recent strides in infrastructure, including the launch of 36 schools designed with modern mobility access.
He also revealed an ongoing audit of government buildings in Alausa, the state’s seat of power.
“We are leading by example. Many older buildings are being retrofitted with ramps and elevators to ensure they are accessible,” he explained. “We have enshrined these requirements into law and must continue to ensure enforcement, not just in government organisations, but in private structures as well.”
Private sector support and future goals
Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, general manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) and a long-time advocate, delivered an emotional charge to the young “champions”, children walking with prosthetic limbs.
“The world will adapt to your realities, and not the other way around,” Oyetunde-Lawal said. “Everything is surmountable if you believe it is. We want you to go far beyond where we have reached because, truly, everything is possible.”
“Many of you are in primary school, some you’ve started to move into secondary school, where the incidence of bullying is really high. And so it’s important that all of us here must consistently pour positivity into the lives of our children and our champions. Little small sentences that we give to them go beyond whatever their primary caregivers can give to them and it speaks volume”, she further admonished.
With over 700 names currently on its register and a goal to provide 200 prosthetic limbs this year, the foundation continues to push for local fabrication to improve affordability and champion diversity and inclusion.
The Commissioner concluded the event by calling for further private-sector collaborations, noting that while financial support is vital, the “moral and physical presence” of partners is what builds a truly supportive community for Lagosians living with disabilities.
