LASODA ORGANISES QUIZ COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
… As Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, Emerge as Winner
The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and enhancing educational development while addressing the concerns of students with disabilities in Lagos State.
She made this statement at the grand finale of an interactive quiz competition organised by the Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for Junior and High Schools, where Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, emerged victorious.
The General Manager, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources of the Agency, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, stated that besides promoting academic excellence, the initiative aims to activate the talents, abilities, and potential of students with special needs.
She mentioned that the event, which was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education, had its preliminary stages last year and saw enthusiastic participation from the schools.
The five participating schools at the finals, held at the Academic Event Hall in Agidingbi, Ikeja, included Methodist Junior School, Badagry; Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu; Ikeja Junior High School; Sango Junior School, Agege; and Odo Obara Junior School, Epe.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, emerged as the overall winner, followed by Sango Junior School, Agege, and Ikeja Junior High School. Methodist Junior School, Badagry, came in fourth, while Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu, took the last spot.
Speaking further, Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal emphasised that the platform aims to showcase the remarkable capabilities of the students and encourage them to continue excelling in their educational endeavours.
She said, "As we proceed with today’s interactive quiz, I would like to emphasise the significance of this initiative in promoting the educational integration of children with disabilities. It plays an essential role in breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that every child, regardless of their abilities, has unique talents to offer. By creating inclusive educational opportunities like this, we are nurturing a society that celebrates diversity, empathy, and inclusiveness."
She also urged the public to desist from discrimination and abuse of persons with disabilities, calling such actions inhumane and unjust.
"Every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves respect, equal opportunities, and the chance to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in society and live dignified lives. Remember, every child deserves access to quality education, care, and encouragement, and it is our duty to provide that to all, without exception," she added.
She further stated that the competition would encourage parents of children with disabilities to become more involved in their educational journeys while offering support as their children continue to grow and achieve greatness.
Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Grace Abolarin, stated that the Lagos State Government, under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, has prioritised the needs of students with special education and will continue to upscale facilities to improve the learning environment for them.
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