By Bartholomew Madukwe

CHIEF Executive Officer of NGZ-AGSAM Limited, Ngozi Ugoji, has called for strengthening of legislative instruments to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all, including Persons With Disabilities, PWDs.

Calling for empowerment of PWDs through patronage of their products and services, Ugoji stated that the Lagos State Special People’s, LSSP, Law signed in June 25, 2011 places a duty on all employers and organizations within the State to provide equal access for all users and visitors to their buildings and facilities.

Speaking on the topic “Safe Universal Access: Getting it right”, at the 2nd Lagos State Construction and Manufacturing Safety Summit held in Lagos, Ugoji said: “A number of legislative instruments are mandatory and aim to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all, including within the workforce. They aim to protect people with special and diverse needs and prevent discrimination in the areas of employment, education, access to goods, services and facilities,” she asserted.

Mental challenges

According to her, the bill specifically provides for those living with physical and mental challenges resulting in their requiring special aids and adaptations to their environment in order to function independently or with minimal assistance.

She noted that the LSSP law further stipulates that all existing buildings and facilities be made fully accessible within a five-year transition period from the date of the bill.

However, Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, LSSC, Mrs Dominga Odebunmi, vowed to ensure the safety of lives and property of the state’s citizenry.