Inclusivity/Gender
Association of handicapped persons appeals to Sanwo-Olu to reclaim encroached land
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
18 Oct 2025 01:49 PM
Ikorodu, Lagos – In a passionate call for justice and empowerment, the Association of Handicapped Persons Welfare (AHPW) has implored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the recovery of a vital parcel of land in Ikorodu, allegedly encroached upon during a state road construction project.
The reclaimed land, the group says, is earmarked for a groundbreaking creativity and vocational training center dedicated to persons with disabilities.
The appeal was made public during the association's 33rd Excellence Awards and Anniversary celebration, a star-studded event held in Lagos.
Amid accolades for outstanding contributions to disability advocacy, AHPW President, Mr. Princewill David, took center stage to highlight the setback posed by the land dispute.
"This encroachment threatens our vision of self-reliance for our community," David declared, his voice resonating through the ballroom filled with dignitaries, advocates, and beneficiaries.
"We urge His Excellency to act swiftly, restoring what is rightfully ours so we can build a hub where creativity meets opportunity, empowering persons with disabilities to thrive.", he added
The affected land in Ikorodu, a bustling suburb east of Lagos Island, was originally allocated for welfare initiatives but reportedly fell victim to boundary overlaps during recent road expansions aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion.
AHPW officials described the site as "prime" for vocational programs, including skills training in arts, crafts, and digital media, tailored to accommodate physical and sensory impairments.
Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration, known for its ambitious THEMES+ agenda (Traffic Management, Health, Education, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security), has championed inclusive development, including ramps in public buildings and subsidized transport for the disabled.
The Lagos State House of Assembly recently amplified these concerns, urging the governor to expedite actions against land grabbers and encroachments.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to AHPW's appeal.
The reclaimed land, the group says, is earmarked for a groundbreaking creativity and vocational training center dedicated to persons with disabilities.
The appeal was made public during the association's 33rd Excellence Awards and Anniversary celebration, a star-studded event held in Lagos.
Amid accolades for outstanding contributions to disability advocacy, AHPW President, Mr. Princewill David, took center stage to highlight the setback posed by the land dispute.
"This encroachment threatens our vision of self-reliance for our community," David declared, his voice resonating through the ballroom filled with dignitaries, advocates, and beneficiaries.
"We urge His Excellency to act swiftly, restoring what is rightfully ours so we can build a hub where creativity meets opportunity, empowering persons with disabilities to thrive.", he added
The affected land in Ikorodu, a bustling suburb east of Lagos Island, was originally allocated for welfare initiatives but reportedly fell victim to boundary overlaps during recent road expansions aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion.
AHPW officials described the site as "prime" for vocational programs, including skills training in arts, crafts, and digital media, tailored to accommodate physical and sensory impairments.
Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration, known for its ambitious THEMES+ agenda (Traffic Management, Health, Education, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security), has championed inclusive development, including ramps in public buildings and subsidized transport for the disabled.
The Lagos State House of Assembly recently amplified these concerns, urging the governor to expedite actions against land grabbers and encroachments.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to AHPW's appeal.
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