Over 150 Elderly, People Living With Disabilities Stranded As Lagos Govt Fails To Release Approved Fund
A Foundation for People Living with Disability and the Aged has accused a Lagos State government agency of failing to release funds promised for its 2025 Annual Sustainability Fundraising Initiative—an alleged setback that left over 150 elderly and disabled beneficiaries stranded.
The event, held last Thursday, was intended to provide essential support to elderly individuals with disabilities across Lagos State’s three senatorial districts.
However, the foundation said the programme collapsed after the pledged funds were not delivered, forcing organisers to abandon planned assistance for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Comrade Kehinde Oshinlaja, the foundation’s coordinator, expressed deep disappointment, stating that assurances from the agency had raised expectations among the beneficiaries.
He stated that the programme would be restaged once the funds were retrieved, promising a transparent process involving government representatives, traditional leaders, and security agencies.
Community elder Chief Adefa Iwalesin condemned what he described as “a taboo,” saying resources meant for vulnerable citizens should never be tampered with.
He urged patience as the state government investigates the claims.
The incident reportedly brought an emotional response from the representative of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, who was said to have wept at the gathering, describing the failure to release the funds as “a sign of disregard for lawful authority.”
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The foundation has now appealed directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, in a letter dated August 16, 2025, the foundation appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, informing him that the funds allocated for their program were currently being held by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
However, despite the foundation’s efforts, the funds had not been released, and with the program fast approaching, they expressed concern that they might not receive the funds in time.
The statement read, “We, the abovenamed organization, wish to thank the Lagos State Governor for the unwavering support your government has given to our organization that has helped people living with disabilities.
“We are particularly grateful for the prompt response from the Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development to our request for funding our event. However, we have encountered a challenge that we hope you can help us resolve. We were informed that the funds allocated for our program are currently held at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Despite our efforts we haven’t received the funds and with our program fast approaching and we are worried that we won’t get the funds in time.
“We kindly ask for your intervention to facilitate the release of these funds. Your support would enable us to deliver on our promises to the old aged people living with disabilities…”
