Political leaders of Persons With Disabilities, PLWD in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II have thrown their weight behind frontline aspirant for the House of Representatives, Kehinde Bamigbetan.
The PLWD were co-ordinated by Temitope Agbabiaka, the member representing PLWD in the Isolo Local Council Development Area chapter of the APC, and Rose Uti, his counterpart in Ejigbo.
The interaction between Bamigbetan and the leaders of PLWD was held at the APC secretariat, Isolo recently.
Addressing members representing PLWDs in ward executive committees of the party and cluster heads of the blind, the deaf and albino, Bamigbetan praised Lagos State government for demonstrating inclusion by establishing the Lagos State Ofice of Disabilities, LASODA and said he served the Ambode administration which set up a N500million Disability Fund.
He pledged to build on past efforts by launching a PLWD transportation programme starting with a bus each in Isolo and Ejigbo council areas for PLWDs only to reduce the challenges they face in moving around.
He also promised to attract grants from local and foreign donors to support the empowerment of PLWDs.
He disagreed with the proposal for segregated schools for PLWDs, arguing that it would further worsen inferiority complex and make societal integration difficult.
Noting that PLWDs are members of communities, Bamigbetan advocated for the provision of social, economic and infrastructural facilities to nurture healthy mutual appreciation between PLWD and other citizens.
Bamigbetan pledged to actively engage federal institutions to ensure PWDs have access to available resources, opportunities, and facilities for personal and professional development.
Assuring that he would prioritise their needs, the leading House of Representatives aspirant promised to establish a dedicated desk for PLWD affairs at the constituency office.
He thanked them for the opportunity to engage directly with the PWD community and highlighted his long-standing commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, tracing his advocacy back to his time as Chief Press Secretary to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He recalled the foundational role played by the Tinubu administration in prioritizing PWD issues, which led to the establishment of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA)by successive government and infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility.
He emphasised the need to obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs): and mobilise PLWDs to vote for persons who champion cause and agreed to push for the enforcement of the 5% employment quota for PWDs in public service through direct engagement with relevant authorities.
He assured the PWD community of his accessibility and sincerity, promising regular interactions and a separate engagement programme tailored to their needs.
The Chairman of the PLWDs in Constituency II, Hon. Agbabiaka commended Hon. Bamigbetan for his patience and genuine interest in their welfare.and expressed optimism about the aspirant’s pledges.
