Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has renewed his administration’s commitment to making Lagos the most disability-inclusive megacity on the continent, unveiling a fresh set of policy actions to support persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held at the Whitestone Event Centre in Oregun, Ikeja, the governor said the annual observance serves as a “mirror” for societies to examine whether they are building environments where every individual can thrive.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos’ push for inclusion is rooted in fairness, equity and accountable leadership.
According to him, PWDs remain a key and energetic segment of the population and must not be treated as an afterthought in development planning.
“Our investments in accessible infrastructure, inclusive schools, health facilities, and modern transit systems are deliberate steps to uphold dignity and mobility for everyone,” he said.
The governor added that the state has continued to expand access to sign-language interpreters, assistive devices, inclusive learning tools and representation of PWDs within the civil service.
While acknowledging the progress recorded, he pointed out ongoing challenges such as enforcing accessibility standards in private buildings, digital spaces, transportation and educational structures.
“These gaps are not failures; they are reminders of the work ahead,” he emphasised, noting that programmes like the Lagos Ability Expo and targeted health initiatives demonstrate the real potential of inclusive governance.
Sanwo-Olu also announced that the Lagos Disability Inclusion Compact, a new and comprehensive policy framework, will soon be rolled out.
The compact will strengthen inclusive education, widen transportation support, empower PWDs economically and reinforce regulatory functions of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
Earlier, LASODA’s General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, welcomed stakeholders and stressed that disability inclusion requires shared responsibility across government, private institutions and civil society.
She explained that this year’s theme, “Achieving the SDGs With and For Persons with Disabilities: A Lagos of Inclusion, Access and Innovation” — aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda and focuses on transportation, education, health and technology.
Oyetunde-Lawal added that the 2025 commemoration is expected to produce actionable policy proposals for 2026, broaden disability advocacy, deliver assistive support to over 200 beneficiaries, improve inter-agency cooperation and boost positive storytelling around empowerment.
Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, reiterated the government’s alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind.”
He said the state remains committed to addressing the barriers PWDs face through social policies, institutional support and a cultural shift towards dignity and ability.
He urged Lagosians to be patient but consistent in the push for inclusion, noting that “every barrier removed and every inclusive policy enacted brings us closer to the society we envision.”