By Ebun Sessou

A non-governmental organisation, Inclusive Lagos Team, ILT, has indicated its determination to throw its weight behind the Governor Akinwumi Ambode administration in Lagos to bring democratic dividends to all, regardless of sex, age and class in the society. It added that the government should give priority to women and children, considering their importance in society.

Speaking at a Press conference which was held in Lagos, the Convener, Inclusive Lagos and a Board member, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo said the group is ready to support the governor’s re-election in 2019 to complete the work he is doing in the commercial city.

Adebayo stated that Governor Ambode has brought about extraordinary progress to all and sundry, adding that six cardinal policies on security, health, social development, infrastructure, wealth creation, governance, among others, stand tall.

The mission of the team, according to Adebayo, is to strongly advocate, commit resources, promote and support all policies and programmes of the Lagos State Government to be inclusive of the needs, interests and aspirations of vulnerable and typically excluded populations including children, youths, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Inclusive Lagos, he revealed, came into existence to complement what the state government is doing, “an inclusive smart Lagos city that leaves no one behind within governance system”, said Adebayo.

His words: ”Our strategic approach is to partner with public/private organisations, civil societies, policymakers and institutions, to effect partnership building, public awareness, resource mobilisation and capacity strengthening.”

Speaking about the success stories of the team since it was established, the Co-convener, Inclusive Lagos, Razak Adekoya said last year, it has empowered over 2,000 people with disability, among others.

“Inclusive Lagos is a focused social group of state and non- state actors in Lagos State, who have voluntarily come together to encourage and support the gender and social inclusion policies and programmes of the state government targeted at vulnerable and marginalised populations, among others,” he said.