Support for the House of Representatives’ aspiration of former Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan continues to grown within the Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Lagos State as leaders of Persons With Disabilities (PLWD) in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area have thrown tbeir weight behind him.
Co-ordinated by the member representing PLWD in the Isolo LCDA chapter of the APC, Temitope Agbabiaka; and his counterpart in Ejigbo LCDA, Rose Uti, the interaction between Bamigbetan and the leaders of groups was recently held at the APC secrerariat, Isolo.
Addressing members representing PLWD in ward executive committees of the party and cluster heads of the blind, the deaf and albino, Bamigbetan praised the state government for demonstrating inclusion by establishing the state Ofice of Disabilities (LASODA), and said he served the Akinwunmi Ambode administration, which set up aa N500 million DIisability 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 PLWD only to reduce the challenges they face in moving around.
He also promised to attract grants from local and foreign donors to support their empowerment.
Bamigbetan disagreed with the proposal for segregated schools for PLWD, arguing that it would worsen inferiority complex and make societal integration difficult.
Noting that PLWD are members of the communities, Bamigbetan advocated for the provision of social, economic and infrastructural facilities to nurture healthy mutual appreciation betweeen PLWD and other citizens.
He pledged to actively engage federal institutions to ensure PWD 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 aapirant primised to establish a dedicated desk for PLWD affairs at the constituency office.
He thanked tbem for the opportunity to engage directly with the PLWD 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 then Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He recalled the foundational role played by the Tinubu administration in prioritising PLWD issues, which led to the establishment of LASODA by sucxessive government and infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility.
He emphasised the need to obtain Permanent Voter Cards and mobilise PLWDs to vote for persons who champion their causes and agreed to push for the enforcement of the 5% employment quota for them in public service through direct engagement with relevant authorities.
He assured the PLWD community of his accessibility and sincerity, promising regular interactions and a separate engagement programme tailored to their needs.
Agbabiaka commended Bamigbetan for his patience and genuine interest in their welfare, and expressed optimism about the aspirant’s pledges.
