The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu local government, Hon Wasiu Adeshina has assured that his government will ensure the inclusion of people living with disabilities in his administration’s programmes.
Hon Adeshina stated this when a team of ABIOLAD Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the local government boss in his office, as a way of formally introducing the foundation to the local government authorities.
The ABIOLAD team, led by its UK Based Co-founder and Ikorodu indigene, Mrs Abidemi Oladipo in her brief address informed the LG boss that the foundation is a non-governmental organization, solely for charitable purpose and to stand as a lasting legacy which honours the memory of her late father, Pa Oladunjoye Abowaba Aro Ajasa-Lamberu.
Oladipo stated that, ‘the motivation to set up Abiolad Foundation sprung up from my quest to honour my late father, who I adore in life and in death, was to share his goodwill to the vibrant people of Ikorodu division and the country at large. I do believe the ideals, principles, standards and epitomes set by my father should not die, but rather guide and inspire new and unborn generations’.
According to her, ‘the objective is to advance and promote healthy living, especially for the disabled, the development of the local community as the relief of poverty within the community. I am proud of my father and I do want his name to be etched in the sands of time and to create an avenue where our family name would be identified and associated with good works’, she added.
She concluded her address by seeking partnership with the Wasiu Adeshina-led Ikorodu local government administration by making bye-laws that will enhance the livelihood of people living with disability in the community, through employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, health awareness and inclusion of people with diasbilities in the administration of the local government.
Responding, Hon Adeshina commended the ABIOLAD Foundation team for their selfless efforts towards supporting the government, by attending to the needs of people living with disability in the community, admitting that the government alone cannot solve all societal problems.
He however encouraged other Nigerians in diaspora to emulate the selfless spirit of Mrs Oladapo by returning home to contribute their little quota to the development of the country. He noted that establishment of foundations is an integral part of the economy development of the society.
‘Our administration has not forgotten any aspect of human beings. Barely two weeks ago, we hosted over 200 people living with disabilities here in the local government. From there, we agreed to organise a special package for them, as a way of giving them a sense of belonging’.
He added that, as a fall out of the meeting, he has directed the Council Engineer to work out the modalities for the construction of a special entrance for people living with disabilities for easy access into the local government hall.
Others at the meeting were the Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu division, Alh Taofeekat Allinson and an APC chieftain, Alh Animashaun, popularly called De-cubano.
