By: Manoah Kikekon
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The Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry Chapter (APWD) on Tuesday celebrated 2nd Edition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities with many of the members gathering at the Sultan Beach in Badagry.
The Chairman of the Association, Badagry Chapter, Mr. Sejoro Ekundayo, said the anniversary had united millions of their members across the globe.
Ekundayo said the United Nations had proclaimed Dec. 3 as the international Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote understanding of disability issues and advocate for their dignity, rights, and well-being.
According to him, this year's theme is titled: "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future."
Ekundayo said that the aim of the programme was to encourage the all persons with disabilities in Badagry Local Government area to embrace leadership opportunities and not stay back as benchwarmers.
He urged Lagos State government and the three local councils in Badagry to include the interests of persons with disabilities in any development plan of their yearly programme.
In his keynote address, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, the immediate past lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency between 2019 to 2023, urged the public to give opportunity to persons with disabilities and explore their talents.
Hunpe, who is the special guest of the event, appealed to the third tier of government to provide an enabling environment for the persons with disabilities to realise their full potential in all spheres of human endeavour.
Hunpe promised to include the special person in his administration when elected into Badagry Local Council in 2025.
He called on stakeholders and other philanthropists to embrace initiatives that would empower people with disabilities.
In his remarks, Dr Azanor Ovie, a lecturer at Special Education Unit, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, emphasized the importance of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities in order to create a more sustainable future through quality education and mentorship.
He commended the association for gathering together to celebrate the international Day.
Ovie called on general public to promote access and equal participation for persons with disabilities in the workplaces.
He encouraged them to make education as priority because it makes person attain leadership.