The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda – HURMA has commended the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, for appointing Comrade Abdul-Fatai Lasisi Gbolahan, a HURMA member and blind from birth, as Personal Assistant to the Office of the Chairman on PWD Matters.
HURMA has also formally notified the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria of the appointment as a best practice in inclusive governance, with a call for replication across Nigeria.
The official presentation took place recently at the Somolu Council Secretariat. In attendance were Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, Executive Director of HURMA; Comrade Monsur Akinremi, HURMA Somolu Coordinator; the Honourable Leader of the Somolu Legislative Arm, Hon. Tunde James; and other council officials.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak described the appointment as “a historic and inclusive step that shows government is ready to listen to advocacy voices and carry Persons With Disabilities along in governance.”
HURMA has also submitted a formal notification to the UN Resident Coordinator, UN House Abuja, with a copy of the appointment letter attached. The notification urges the UN to document this as a model for CRPD and SDG 10 implementation at the local level, and to encourage other public offices to create PWD desks and appoint PWD advocates.
“Governance must leave no one behind. Somolu LG has set the pace. We call on other councils to follow this example,” Comrade Buna stated.
HURMA finally congratulates the newly appointed Comrade Lasisi Gbolahan and pledges continued partnership with Somolu LG to advance the rights and welfare of PWDs.