By Abimbola Joseph
CITIZENS COMPASS–Mr Oluwatosin Kuku, Chairman of Ikorodu West Deaf Development Association(IKWDDA) has urged government at all levels on inclusive development, where all citizens are given equal opportunity to thrive in the country.
He made the appeal recently during the inauguration of newly elected executives of the Association at the secretariat of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Themed, “Equal Access for All: A Call to Action for Inclusive Development,” he said,
“Today, we gather to mark a significant milestone in our journey towards a more inclusive and accessible society for the deaf community in Ikorodu.
“As we inaugurate our newly elected executives, we reaffirm our commitment to equal access for all.
“For too long, our community has faced barriers that hinder our progress.
“We have been excluded from opportunities, marginalized, and overlooked.
“But today, we say enough is enough! We demand equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services,” he said.
The IKWDDA chairman said the association is dedicated to promoting inclusive development, where every individual has the chance to thrive.
He assured the public that the association would work tirelessly to: advocate for policies and programs that would benefit the community, provide training and resources to enhance their members’ skills.
The Chairman stressed that the association would also foster partnership with various organisations that shared the same vision and create a supportive network that empowers members.
“We call on our government, stakeholders, and allies to join us in an effort to break down barriers and challenge discriminatory practices.
“Promote sign language and deaf culture and ensure accessibility in all aspects of life,” he said.
Kuku urged stakeholders to take an active roles in shaping the association’s future, “Let’s work together to build a society that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
He expressed the association’s profound gratitude and appreciation to Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA for his support and sponsoring the programme with a promise to collaborate and support his administration.
Kuku highlighted some of the proposed plan projects for the association to includes; mini bus empowerment, an office space for the association use and five per cent for the deaf.
“We expressed our profound gratitude to the chairman for his support and sponsoring our programme.
“We will collaborate and support his administration so that our priorities can be provided,” he said.
The Council chairman, hon. Kazeem in his response congratulated the newly sworn in executives and urged them to lead by example as much as be a good ambassador worthy of emulation by others.
He promised to continue to support the association as well as look critically into the demand of the association to see area where the council can come considering the scarce resources available.
“I have been supporting the association and will continue to our best, disability is a barrier but we just have to carry them along,” he said.
