Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has urged parents not to deny education to their children with disabilities. She emphasized that education is a fundamental right protected by the Lagos State Special People’s Law of 2011.
Speaking at the 8th Annual Conference of the Deaf Teachers Association, held recently at Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired in Surulere, Lagos, Oyetunde-Lawal underscored the state’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities, particularly in education.
Oyetunde-Lawal stressed that education is crucial for personal and societal development. It helps reduce discrimination, promote social cohesion, and foster peace. She warned that withholding education from anyone based on disability is a serious injustice and highlighted the intelligence and creativity within the deaf community that society must recognize.
“You, as educators of the deaf, are more than teachers – you are champions of inclusion and agents of change,” Oyetunde-Lawal said. She praised the teachers for their dedication to deaf education, noting their role in inspiring hope among parents and children with hearing impairments. She also emphasized the importance of these educators in building self-worth and confidence in every child.
The General Manager reaffirmed LASODA’s commitment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “Leaving No One Behind” agenda. She assured the audience that LASODA is working diligently to integrate persons with disabilities into Lagos society, focusing on eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and daily life.
As part of its efforts, LASODA has been actively working to raise awareness about disabilities to combat stigma and promote a more inclusive community. Oyetunde-Lawal highlighted the success of the agency’s sign language workshops, which have trained law enforcement officers, public service officials, and other stakeholders in basic sign language. She promised that these initiatives will continue to grow, enhancing communication between hearing and hearing-impaired individuals.
In his welcome address, Dr. Tola Odusanya, Acting National President of the Deaf Teachers Association of Nigeria, thanked Oyetunde-Lawal for her presence and stressed the importance of collaborating with the disability community to advance inclusive policies and initiatives for deaf teachers and students.
The conference, which focused on promoting inclusivity and improving deaf education, brought together educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the state to share ideas and strengthen support for hearing-impaired students in Lagos State.