The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Lanre Bajulaiye, has reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening inclusive communication and ensuring that every segment of society, including persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs), is adequately represented in government policies and programmes.
Bajulaiye gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria (AIDDN) on an advocacy visit to the Ministry.
Describing the visit as significant, being the first official delegation he would host since assuming office as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry following his redeployment from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Bajulaiye expressed personal commitment to the cause of inclusivity, citing his past experience working with the Ministry of Education on disability-related issues.
“On our part, let me assure you that you have a partner and friend. The issue of equal rights is not something anyone should take lightly, especially when it concerns God’s special people. It’s all about the love and respect we show because many of them are aware of their conditions but cannot help it. Therefore, they deserve compassion, inclusion, and support,” he stated.
He commended AIDDN for its consistent advocacy and collaboration with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), pledging the Ministry’s support in promoting public understanding of developmental disabilities and fostering positive attitudinal change across communities.
“We will constantly bring the plight of these special people to the fore as a Ministry because information is key and education is paramount,” he added.
Earlier in her remarks, the National President of AIDDN, Mrs. Joke Dawodu-Omotola, explained that the association is dedicated to advocating for the rights, welfare, and inclusion of children and adults with IDDs.
She noted that the organisation has developed a comprehensive policy document aimed at improving support and services for persons with developmental disabilities.According to her, the IDD Policy addresses key challenges such as limited accessibility for children and parents, while providing a framework for protection, dignity, and full participation of persons with IDDs in society.
“We seek to engage key stakeholders in government, including your Ministry, to discuss the adoption and implementation of this policy,” Dawodu-Omotola stated.
She further appealed for the Ministry’s partnership in creating awareness campaigns through state-owned media platforms and organising capacity-building sessions for journalists to promote accurate and sensitive reporting on disability issues.
“We strongly believe the Ministry of Information and Strategy plays a vital role in shaping policies and programmes that impact this population. Hence, your support is crucial for the success of this initiative,” she emphasised while presenting a copy of the IDD Policy to the Permanent Secretary.
Other key issues raised during the meeting included the need for early intervention programmes, community engagement, and lifelong support systems for persons with disabilities.
Also present at the meeting were the Director of Strategy Centre, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi; Director of Public Enlightenment and Community Relations, Mr. Tayo Ogunbiyi; Director of Procurement, Mr. Adedapo Adebowale; Director of Administration and Human Resource, Mrs. Ramlat Oriola-Seriki; and Head of ICT, Mrs. Monisola Aiyejoto, among others.
