Oluwatobi Adu 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A disability advocacy group in Lagos on Saturday calls for stronger political representation for persons living with disabilities in local government leadership.
The Ikorodu West Deaf Development Association urges the Lagos State Government to appoint qualified persons with disabilities to key local council positions.
The association’s chairman, Tosin Kuku, makes the appeal during the group’s first annual gathering for persons with disabilities at the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area secretariat.
Kuku says the recent announcement of council secretaries and supervisors across 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs fails to include representatives from the disability community.
He argues that appointing qualified persons with disabilities would strengthen inclusive governance and improve policy responses affecting the community.
“Appointing our members will create opportunities for better engagement between the government and the disability community,” Kuku says.
“It will help promote environmental awareness and address the needs of persons with disabilities while strengthening inclusion in local government policies and programmes.”
Kuku also emphasises that many association members hold university degrees and possess the skills needed to serve effectively in administrative roles.
He praises the Ikorodu West LCDA chairman, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, for supporting disability inclusion and providing a platform for the community’s concerns.
Advocates say greater representation in decision-making positions would help ensure policies reflect the realities and needs of persons with disabilities across Lagos.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 