Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday inaugurated the Governing Board of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, to manage the N500 million Disability Trust Fund, DTF, expressing optimism that it would aid people living with disabilities in the state to realize their dreams and live more comfortable lives.
Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Alausa, in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria while inaugurating the Board, said it was in fulfillment of his administration’s promise to ensure that the affairs of people living with disabilities was managed by people passionate enough to show that there is ability in disability.
“The Board will also manage the Disability Trust Fund. In fulfillment of the promise I made on May 29th, 2016, this Fund has in its kitty today, N500m with a marching order to solicit from the public and other charitable organisations, additional support for its objectives, he said.
“We could not have done otherwise, given the array of people with disabilities who possess requisite qualification, experience and character. In addition, we believe in their ability to manage the Disability Trust Fund more judiciously because they have a more personal understanding of the needs and situation of our less privileged people. This fund will give our brothers and sisters a needed boost to make a livelihood for themselves and a chance to fulfill their potentials,” he added.