The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has debunked the content of reports circulating in the media concerning the administration of the N1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of persons with disabilities in Lagos State.
While acknowledging the important role of the media in promoting accountability, LASODA empathised with the families whose experiences were featured in the report, noting that their challenges reinforce the importance of the Disability Intervention Fund and the need to ensure that government interventions reach their intended beneficiaries.
Addressing allegations that some officials demanded kickbacks before processing intervention requests through a release, LASODA noted that no formal complaint or documented allegation had been received by the Office as of June 9, 2026, before the publication of the report. The first information received came through an anonymous WhatsApp message from an individual.
According to the Office, despite the absence of a formal complaint and sufficient information to identify the culprits, an internal fact-finding exercise was immediately initiated. Based on preliminary findings, a suspected officer was identified, and the matter was promptly escalated to the appropriate superior authority in line with the Lagos State Public Service disciplinary procedures.
LASODA clarified that no disciplinary matter relating to the allegation has been concluded internally, contrary to suggestions contained in the report. The Office explained that, in accordance with the applicable Civil Service Rules, the appropriate Personnel Management Board will examine the matter, and the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, the competent authority, will determine any disciplinary action
The Office also refuted claims that organisations are blacklisted for refusing to pay kickbacks, explaining that LASODA maintains a register of hundreds of disability-focused NGOs, homes, centres, and associations across Lagos State, making it impossible for every organisation to receive direct financial support annually.
LASODA explained that annual institutional support is consistently provided to recognised umbrella associations representing the various disability clusters, while support for other registered organisations is based on programme priorities, available resources, project needs, and established assessment processes. Consequently, non-selection in a particular funding cycle should not be interpreted as blacklisting.
The Office further clarified that comments attributed in the report to Dr. Adebukola Adebayo were made during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, and during a previous administration of LASODA. It noted that Dr. Adebayo is not the current Chairman of JONAPWD, Lagos State Chapter, and emphasised the importance of presenting stakeholder comments within their proper historical and administrative context.
LASODA reiterated its commitment to strengthening transparency through enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved reporting mechanisms, and the continued digitisation of aspects of its intervention processes to minimise unnecessary human interface and enhance public confidence.
LASODA reaffirmed that the N1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, approved by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represents the Lagos State Government's commitment to promoting inclusion, economic empowerment, accessibility, and improved welfare for persons with disabilities. The Office pledged to continue administering the Fund with integrity, fairness, transparency, and accountability while ensuring that every intervention reaches its intended beneficiaries.
Lasoda
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