Gov. Ambode Sets Up N500m Disability Trust Fund
Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Office for Disability Affairs to manage the N500million Disability Trust Fund.
He expressed optimism that the fund would aid people living with disabilities to realise their dreams and live a more comfortable life.
“In order to run an inclusive government, the Board will, on behalf of the State Government, manage the affairs of people living with disabilities by issuing guidelines for their education, social development and welfare.
“The Board will also manage the Disability Trust Fund of N500m. It has a marching order to solicit from the public and other charitable organisations additional support for its objectives.
“This fund will give our brothers and sisters a needed boost to make a livelihood for themselves and a chance to fulfill their potentials”
The Governor said his administration believed that affairs of people living with disabilities should be managed by people passionate enough to show that there is ability in disability.
Ambode reiterated his administration’s commitment to managing and funding the education, social development and welfare of people living with disabilities in the state.
“We could not have done otherwise, given the array of people with disabilities who possess requisite qualification, experience and character.”
Ambode Charges Board On Fairness
Ambode said that regardless of the N500million Trust Fund, people living with disabilities were eligible to access the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF).
He urged the Board to ensure that the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and fairness were observed in administering the fund and coordinating all affairs concerning people living with disabilities.
Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, also said that people living with disabilities had the same rights as everyone else.
In his remarks, Dr Oki Waheed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Office of Disability Affairs, thanked the governor for his vote of confidence.
He assured that they would discharge their duties conscientiously.
