The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, has assured the Lagos State Delegation of Confidence Builders for the Blind and Physically Challenged Group (a group of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs), who were accompanied by the leadership of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), of inclusive governance and grassroots support.
The Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak at the meeting held at the Council Secretariat revealed that the avowed intent of the visit, as stated in its official letter, includes inclusion in empowerment and welfare initiatives, medical outreach, access to space for coordinated engagements, mobility, partnerships, and monitoring processes for enhanced support systems.
HURMA appealed to the Chairman to show support for the PWD areas of concern so they can become contributors rather than dependents. He added that HURMA adopted the group to promote social justice and help channel their lives appropriately. Comrade Buna officially introduced one of the PWD members present, Mr. Abdul-Fatai Gbolahan Lasisi as a member of Somolu Unit of HURMA who just completed his Master program in LASU but recently lost his walking stick with no provision to secure another.
In addition, Mrs. Bukola Balogun, who led the Confidence Builders team, stated that they exist across the state and work in tandem with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). She stressed that their members are highly skilled professionals who are eager for grants and employment opportunities, and requested the Council Chairman’s support for their growth.
In his response, Chairman Ashimi lauded the HURMA leadership for their activism and community-focused approach to easing people’s challenges. He also praised the Confidence Builders team for presenting him with their outstanding handmade adire wear, assuring them that they would be included in council interventions so their group will not be left behind. “Somolu already has a dedicated PWD group, to whom we are also indebted for our rigorous engagements; however, you are also welcome on board,” he said.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Ashimi made a pronouncement of the appointment of Mr. Abdul-Fatai as his Personal Assistant on PWD Matters and promised to provide him with another walking stick. He declared his unwavering support for the visiting group and his commitment towards engaging his colleagues at the Lagos State Conference-57 Chairmen Forum for their inclusion – a remark re-echoed by Hon. Taiwo Ojomu (Vice Chairman), while in the presence of Rt. Hon. Tunde James Oyeyiola (Leader of the House), Hon. Ayodele Hector Coker (Secretary to the Local Government), Mr. Monsuru Akinremi and other HURMA representatives.