By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Badagry Local Government has taken step toward fostering an inclusive society with the empowerment of 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the official handing over of a dedicated offive within the secretariat for the association.
The initiative, held on Thursday at the Council Secretariat, marked the sixth edition of the "Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme." This latest installment was exclusively dedicated to the disability community, reinforcing the administration’s pledge to ensure that vulnerable groups remain at the heart of local governance.
During the handover ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, underscored his administration's resolve to dismantle barriers for those living with disabilities. He described the PWD community as "special people" who deserve not only care and support but also the infrastructure required to participate actively in community life.
"My administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that cater to the needs of every segment of society without discrimination," Hon. Hunpe stated. "By providing a permanent secretariat, we are moving beyond temporary support to ensure their welfare, dignity, and active participation in governance are institutionalized."
The event drew praise from local leaders and administrators who lauded the Chairman’s focus on the "Renewed Hope" agenda.
Hon. Bankole Mautin Asokere, Leader of the Legislative Arm, and Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, the Council Manager, were joined by APC Badagry LGA Apex Leader Chief Moses Zannu Ogunbiyi and LGA Chairman Hon. Gafar Muritala Meyon in celebrating the milestone.
The stakeholders described the dual achievement of cash empowerment and the provision of a physical office as a "practical demonstration of a people-centred administration," urging beneficiaries to use the financial support to stabilize their households and grow their micro-enterprises.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Special Adviser on People with Disability, Mr. Sejuro Ekundayo, expressed profound gratitude for the support. He noted that the gestures were unprecedented and had instilled a renewed sense of belonging within the disability community.
"This empowerment and the handover of the secretariat have strengthened our confidence and given us a greater sense of inclusion," Ekundayo remarked. He pledged the association's continued cooperation with the local government to help build a more progressive and accessible Badagry.