Speeches

Distribution Of Walking Aids To The Physically Challenged In Lagos State

Dec 16, 2008 - Today marks another milestone in the history of sustainable and qualitative healthcare service delivery in Lagos State. We are delighted that as a Government, we are able to take another bold step at actualizing our dreams for the people, especially those among us who are physically challenged.

During the campaigns for the election into office, we recognized that Healthcare must continue to be accorded top priority in our policy formulation and execution, if we must improve the living standard of our people and make our people feel the impact of good governance.

We are a lucky administration that was bequeathed with the most robust healthcare policies in the entire federation. It may be pertinent to emphasise that the immediate past administration introduced the free eye test and eye glasses scheme popularly known as “Jigi Bola” as well as the Roll Back Malaria scheme, the Lagos State Ambulance Services amongst several others.

It is in continuation of that proactive policy that we have gone a step further to accommodate the delivery of efficient, qualitative welfare especially for the physically challenged among us in our effort at poverty reduction and encouraging them to be less dependent on others for their daily subsistence.

In view of our drive to create a conducive environment for the Mega city status of the State, it is our fervent hope that, with this gesture, we are creating the platform to challenge the menace of alms begging especially on our streets and highways as our intention is to assist the beneficiaries to rise above the challenges of their disability and engage in creative pursuits.

The State government is aware of the daily influx of people of diverse backgrounds into Lagos metropolis and a good number of them take advantage of the natural humane disposition of Lagosians to exploit them unduly. Some have even turned the art of begging into a profession while our investigations have also revealed the existence of a cartel that sponsors destitution in the State.

As we prepare to deal with these issues in the immediate future, we feel obligated to assist those with genuine physical disabilities and are willing to engage in honest ventures with the means to move about their legitimate pursuits.

That is why, we are here today to distribute 250 Wheel Chairs, 250 Crutches, 500 Special Chairs and 4 Motorised Wheel Chair to the first set of lucky beneficiaries who had earlier been screened.

I want to assure you all that this will be a continuous affair within the resources available to government. Let me however, urge the beneficiaries to justify the sacrifices the government is making and resist the temptation to go back to the Streets. The State government will not fail to apply the appropriate laws of the land on such an offender.

At this point, let me renew my call to all stakeholders and the Corporate Citizens of the State and well-to-do individuals as well as philanthropic organisations to partner with the government in our drive to create an enabling environment for peace and harmony by being our brothers’ keepers. This is the time for all of us to come together and lend a helping hand to people around us.

We are optimistic that this clarion call to help the less-privileged will not go unheeded. Let us remember always that when we give a little to help the less-privileged, we are sowing the seed of social harmony.

Your collaboration with us will go a long way in attaining our desired goal to restore self-esteem, dignity and creativity to our less privileged people in our society. With your help and support, we will achieve more in a very short-time.

I am sure you will lend a helping hand.

Thank you all.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State