The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbenga Abiola, has pledged to establish an automated food bank and a walk-in superstore to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable residents if elected.
Abiola, who is seeking to succeed the incumbent Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, made the pledge on Monday during an engagement with members of the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Agege Chapter.
He said the proposed initiatives formed part of his inclusive empowerment and social welfare plans to address the economic and social challenges facing vulnerable residents of the constituency.
According to him, the automated food bank would provide an organised food-support system, giving priority to persons with disabilities, elderly residents and other vulnerable households.
He said the proposed walk-in superstore would offer qualified beneficiaries access to essential food items and household necessities through an organised support arrangement.
“A society cannot claim to be making meaningful progress when its most vulnerable members are left behind,” Abiola said, adding that social welfare programmes should be deliberately structured to reach those most in need.
The candidate said persons with disabilities should not be treated as an afterthought in governance, empowerment and community development.
He added that his proposed representation would prioritise social protection, economic opportunities, accessibility and human dignity.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its Agege Chapter Chairman, Alhaja Sekinat Abolaji, commended Abiola for engaging with members and showing interest in their welfare.
Abolaji declared the association’s support for the candidate, citing his previous empowerment efforts and willingness to address challenges confronting persons with disabilities.
She said the meeting brought together representatives from different ethnic groups, networks and sections of the disability community, providing an opportunity to discuss their needs and possible interventions.
The proposed food bank and superstore are campaign pledges and would depend on Abiola’s election and subsequent implementation.
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