Lagos State Government has said that plans are afoot to construct three ultra-modern care centres for the old and elderly citizens in the State as a way of providing an interactive platform for the aged residents as well as increase socialization among them, especially those who are often left to care for themselves by their family members.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf disclosed this at the ongoing 2017 Ministerial Press briefing to commemorate the second year in office of Governor Ambode and mark the 50 years of creation of Lagos State.
Akinbile-Yussuf stated that the initiative was modelled after the practices of more developed countries where government assists in the provision of quality care services to the elderly in the society in order to improve their living condition and wellbeing.
According to her, “The location of the ultramodern Elderly Care Centres has been planned for three Senatorial Districts of the State, while its architectural design for the prototype had already been completed.”
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“Approval has been granted for the Homes to be sited in the following locations: Ajagun Street, opposite Imeke palace, Iworo-Ajido (Olorunda LCDA Badagry), Alimosho General Hospital Complex, LASU-Ojo Road, Igando and Epe Recreational Complex, Hospital road, Epe”, the Commissioner added.
She said adequate attention is also being paid to issues that affect the younger ones, the youths, persons living with disabilities and the vulnerable residents of the State.
In her words, “In line with Section 195 of the Child Rights Law as amended (2015), the State government has commenced an alternative sentencing programme for children in conflict with the law and children at risk of offending in the Community.”
The Commissioner also disclosed that the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), on the directives of its Governing Board has forwarded proposals to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the procurement of items such as buses, assistive devices, furniture and equipment for PWD Clusters, Special/ Inclusive schools and the LASODA Coordinating Offices.
Akinbile-Yussuf also said that the upsurge in the unemployment rate among the Youths in the State is seriously being addressed, adding that within the period under review, a total of 16, 645 Youths were trained in various vocations ranging from Shoe making, Makeup/Makeover and Gele Tying, Hairdressing, Photography, Skin Care Products, Computer Training, Tailoring, Scaffolding, Mobile Crane Operations, Sales and Installation of DSTV, Manufacturing Safety and Refill/Servicing of Fire Extinguishers.
The Commissioner assured residents of the State of the resolve of the present administration to create an enabling environment that promotes youth and social development services thereby giving succour to the vulnerable members of the society.