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UK Government, Lagos partner to advance disability inclusion, gender equality

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L-R: Member, Nigerian Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Implementation Committee, Mr. Tolu Adegbie; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Social Development, Pharm. Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu; British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter; General Manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal; Founder/Executive Director, Live Abundantly, Dr. Ama Onyerinma; Hon. Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende and Senior Advisor Institutional Funding, Sightsavers, Mrs. Jumoke Alagbe, at the 16 Days of Activism 2025 and International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, in Lagos Photo: BHC/FCDO Abuja

*The British Deputy High Commission and Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs say the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities have underscored a shared, unwavering commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls across in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The British Deputy High Commission and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) Wednesday, November 26, 2025, hosted a landmark event in Lagos.

The event spotlighted the importance of disability inclusion and gender equality as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

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The British High Commission Communications Office/FCDO in a statement said the landmark collaboration during the event called for action to break barriers and empower women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.

Hosted by Mr. Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, the statement noted the event underscored a shared and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls across Lagos State and beyond.

The forum with the theme: “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Unified Stand for the Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities”, featured discussions on the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities.

The participants listed these to include heightened risks of violence and discrimination, while celebrating their resilience and leadership.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, in Lagos, said: “The UK is proud to partner with Lagos State in advancing disability inclusion and gender equality.

“Today’s event is not just dialogue; it is a decisive call to action.”

Baxter stated: “Women and girls with disabilities face heightened risks of violence and discrimination, and tackling these challenges demands unwavering collaboration, commitment, and courage.

“Together, we can create a society where every person, regardless of ability, is empowered to lead and succeed.”

Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of LASODA, also said: “This collaboration with the British High Commission is a significant step forward in our mission to create a truly inclusive and accessible Lagos.

“By aligning the 16 Days of Activism with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, we send a powerful message that the rights of women and girls with disabilities are non-negotiable.

“We are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of social, economic, and political life.”

Speaking on the occasion,

Mr. Mobolaji Ogunende, Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, said: “Our youth and social development agenda is rooted in inclusion and equality.

“This partnership with the British High Commission and LASODA sends a clear message: no one should be left behind.”

Ogunende stated: “Women and girls with disabilities deserve not only protection but opportunities to thrive. “Together, we are building systems that dismantle barriers and create a Lagos where every individual can contribute and lead.”

The statement further noted that the high-level forum convened government officials, diplomats, disability advocates, civil society organisations, development partners, and media stakeholders.

The programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions on inclusive policies, and powerful testimonies, fostering dialogue on actionable strategies to combat violence and enhance accessibility.

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs is the statutory agency of the Lagos State Government mandated to safeguard the rights and promote the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Established under the Lagos State Special People’s Law 2010, LASODA works to ensure accessibility, provide support services, and enable full participation of PWDs in all aspects of society.

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