The UK government and the Lagos State Government have strengthened their partnership on disability inclusion and gender equality, using the momentum of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to call for concrete action to protect and empower women and girls with disabilities.

At a high-level forum hosted in Lagos by the British Deputy High Commission and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), both sides reaffirmed a joint commitment to breaking barriers, expanding access, and ensuring the full participation of persons with disabilities in social, economic, and political life.

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From left: 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 Alagbeat the 16 Days of Activism 2025 and International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities in Lagos.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said the UK was proud to work with Lagos State to advance disability rights, stressing that women and girls with disabilities face elevated risks of discrimination and violence. He described the event as a call to action requiring collaboration and courage to build a society where every person can succeed regardless of ability.

General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the partnership marked a major step toward a truly inclusive Lagos. She noted that aligning the global activism campaign with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities sent a clear signal that the rights of women and girls with disabilities are non-negotiable.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunende, said the state’s development agenda is grounded in inclusion and equality. He emphasized that no citizen should be left behind and that women and girls with disabilities deserve both protection and opportunities to thrive.

The forum brought together government officials, diplomats, disability advocates, civil society groups, development partners, and the media for discussions on inclusive policies, accessibility, and strategies to prevent violence. Participants also shared testimonies and practical actions to support long-term progress.

LASODA, established under the Lagos State Special People’s Law of 2010, continues to lead state-wide efforts to safeguard the rights and promote the full participation of persons with disabilities.