Political Briefs
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BOLANLE Ambode, wife of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and first lady of Lagos State, wants members of the public to always show love and affection to people living with disabilities, saying they needed peoples’ love, affection and empathy.
Ambode gave her opinion at an event organised by the Lagos State office for Disability Affairs to mark the international day for persons living with disabilities in the state.
She said: “It is essential that we reassure people living with disabilities that they are part of the society and to believe in their abilities to progress and contribute meaningfully to the society. They must never feel rejected or dejected but rather should always see themselves as a set of unique and endowed people”, she noted.
The first lady, who was represented Temitope Ayorinde, wife of the state commissioner for information and strategy, averred that this year’s celebration was aimed at promoting public awareness and mobilising support on critical issues related to the inclusion of persons living with disabilities towards the development of the society.
She called on parents of children with disabilities not to hide them at home but rather should enrol them at various special schools and inclusive units in the state.
According to her, it is only through early intervention that effective management of their conditions can benefit them and the society.
While commending teachers in the special schools and inclusive units for their efforts in caring for the children, Ambode urged them to remain focused and continue to bring out the best in their pupil/students despite their challenges.
She also noted that, the estimated one billion persons living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers which prevent them from enjoying access to society on the same footing with able bodied persons.
Ambode said the barriers were most pronounced in the area of employment, transportation, education, social and political engagements among others.
— Dec 14, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT
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