The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has advised parents never to deprive their children of education due to a disability, emphasising that education is a fundamental human right upheld by the Lagos State Special People’s Law of 2011.
She reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly in the education sector.
Oyetunde-Lawal made this statement during the 8th Annual Conference of the Deaf Teachers Association, held recently at Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired in Surulere, Lagos.
Highlighting the critical importance of education for both personal and societal development, the GM described education as a powerful tool for reducing discrimination, fostering social cohesion, and promoting peace.
She warned that denying education to any group based on disability would be a grave injustice, adding that the deaf community possesses immense intelligence and creativity, which society cannot afford to overlook.
“Teaching is a profession that shapes the future, and in the context of the deaf community, it takes on even deeper significance. You, as educators of the deaf, are not only teachers – you are champions of inclusion, role models, and agents of change”, she averred.
The General Manager commended the teachers for their unwavering dedication to deaf education, praising them for giving hope to parents and children with hearing impairments.
She emphasised the critical role these educators play in fostering self-worth, confidence, and the belief that every child, regardless of ability, can succeed.
Oyetunde-Lawal also reaffirmed LASODA’s commitment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “Leaving No One Behind” agenda, assuring the audience that the office is working tirelessly to fully integrate persons with disabilities into Lagos society.
She outlined Agency’s ongoing efforts to eliminate discrimination and provide equal opportunities in education, employment, and daily life.
As part of its strategy, LASODA has been actively raising awareness about disabilities to reduce stigma and create 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 skills. She assured the attendees that these initiatives would continue to expand, fostering better communication and understanding between hearing and hearing-impaired individuals.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting National President of the Deaf Teachers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Tola Odusanya expressed gratitude to the General Manager for her presence and emphasised the importance of collaboration with the disability community to champion the cause of inclusive policies and initiatives concerning deaf teachers and students.
The 8th Annual Conference of the Deaf Teachers Association focused on promoting inclusivity and improving the quality of deaf education, brought together educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the state to exchange ideas and strengthen the network of support for hearing-impaired students in Lagos State.
