The Lagos State Government has assured residents that the Ketu Special Children’s Centre has not been abandoned and will undergo comprehensive renovation to better serve children with disabilities.

This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende.

Following the statement, made available, the commissioner noted that the temporary closure of the centre was a proactive measure to ensure the safety of its occupants while renovation plans are implemented.

“The decision to shut down the Ketu Special Children’s Centre was made after a thorough examination of the facility, which revealed the need for urgent rehabilitation and restructuring,” Ogunlende explained.

“We relocated the children to the Children Correctional Centre for Junior Boys in Yaba, where they are receiving specialized care and support. This move prioritizes their safety and wellbeing.”

The commissioner said the government was committed to restoring the Centre as a habitable and conducive facility but stressed that the renovation process involved multiple stages requiring professional input.

“We want to do things the right way to ensure the children’s safety. Rushing the process would expose them to harm, and that is not what we represent as leaders,” he stated.

Ogunlende also noted that Lagos State remained a leader in promoting social inclusion in Nigeria, particularly for people living with disabilities.

He referenced the state’s comprehensive laws protecting PWDs and the establishment of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs to cater to their needs.

“Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, social inclusion is a top priority,” Ogunlende said. “We celebrate PWDs through programmes like the International Day for Disability and empower them with skill acquisition programmes. Additionally, all new government facilities are PWD-compliant, and we are creating employment opportunities for them within the civil service.”

While urging the public to remain patient, Ogunlende appealed to citizens to verify information about government projects before spreading misinformation.

“Falsehoods like this can cause distrust among the citizenry. Our administration is dedicated to ensuring no one is left behind, especially those who need our support the most,” he concluded. Govt plans renovation of special children’s Centre.