Leaders urged to secure employment opportunities for graduates with disabilities
An educationist, Mrs Dame Olugbeminiyi Smith, has called on government and other national leaders to create employment opportunities for children with disabilities after graduation, warning that their future prospects depend largely on access to equal opportunities.
She made the call at the 3rd Annual Unified Sports Event held on Tuesday at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.
Mrs Smith lamented that the five per cent employment quota provided for under the Disability Act of 1990 had not been adequately enforced, urging the relevant authorities to ensure its full implementation for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
She also called for the strengthening and adequate funding of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate.
Addressing persons with disabilities, she acknowledged the challenges they face in society but urged them to remain resilient, saying hardship should not define them but rather refine their determination to overcome marginalisation.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of the Ellen Olusola Caulcrick Foundation, Dr Oluwabusola Caulcrick-George, described the Unified Sports Event as a demonstration of the power of unity, a celebration of athletic abilities and a recognition of the limitless potential of every individual.
She explained that the event was inspired by her mother’s vision and advocacy for persons with disabilities, adding that it had become a platform for promoting inclusion and empowering children with special needs.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Olusoye Compensatory Centre and former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and Head of Service, Mrs Abeke Adefemi Taire, welcomed guests and participants, describing the Unified Sports Event as a permanent feature of school sports in Lagos State.
More than 160 athletes from 40 schools participated in various sporting activities, including egg races, tug-of-war and relay races.
Winners received trophies and medals presented by three white-cap chiefs representing the Eleko of Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
The Unified Sports Event brings together children with and without disabilities to participate in competitive sporting activities as members of mixed teams, promoting inclusion, friendship and mutual understanding.
