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Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R) in warm handshakes with Lagos State pupils during the 2009 International Day For Persons Living With Disabilities.


Mrs. Abimbola Fashola(M), Princess Sarah Sosan (2nd L) and Mrs Mayowa Ikuforiji (R) join others to give an applaud after cutting the cake.

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Dec 3, 2009 - 2009 International Day For Persons Living With Disabilities

The yuletide season will soon reach its peak with the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. It is a season of great excitement, joy and goodwill amongst all the people around the world. Setting aside a day in this festive period to celebrate people living with disabilities is commendable because it provides a unique opportunity for us to remind ourselves of our duty to care for those with special needs in our midst.

It gives me great pleasure to be part of this 3rd edition of the International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities being organised by Lagos State Ministry of Education.

Physical disability is a fact of life. It is not peculiar to certain group of people or particular regions of the world. Being disabled is not an end to life neither is it a condition that should automatically lead to a life of misery, frustration and unfulfilled dreams.

The very impressive display we all have witnessed today has once again proven the truth in the saying that there is ability in disability. It has also shown that people living with disabilities are also endowed with talents and great potentials which can be positively channelled and developed if we give them our support and encouragement.

I therefore want to use this opportunity to encourage parents whose wards have one form of disability or the other not to lose hope on them. Please bring them out, get them enrolled in the various special schools within the State where they will be taken care of and taught different skills such as hand crafts etc. that will enable them live an independent life.

To all the dedicated and hardworking teachers in these special schools, may I use this opportunity to thank you and pray that God almighty in His infinite mercy will reward you for all your love and sacrifice.

I congratulate Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan on the successful celebration of this day and for all their tireless efforts in repositioning special education in Lagos State. I also congratulate the Special Adviser, the Permanent Secretary and the entire staff of the Ministry of Education.

Finally, I enjoin the general public to show love and kindness to all people living with disabilities. Let us not pity them but learn to support and assist them always.

Thank you for your kind attention. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State