The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has provided vocational training and startup tools to empower persons with disabilities across the state.
A total of 300 beneficiaries received specialized training in leatherwork, hairdressing, barbing, arts and crafts, phone repairs, and makeup artistry. Upon completion, they were each equipped with essential tools to facilitate the establishment of their businesses, fostering economic independence and inclusivity.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme “Removing Barriers” Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said that the initiative is a deliberate attempt by the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to remove the impediments preventing people with disability from participating in programmes that contribute to their wellbeing
Ajigbotafe explained that the government remains committed to building a society where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute to the society.
According to him, “The entrepreneurial training is meant to improve the economic capacities of persons with disabilities through newly acquired vocational skills, self-esteem, confidence and functional autonomy. As we are aware, the just concluded entrepreneurial programme for people with disabilities lasted for five weeks. It started on January 28, 2025 and ended on February 26, 2025.
“It is heartwarming to note that today’s graduation ceremony is a reflection of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu’s affection and largeheartedness towards the people with disabilities and his assurance that your contributions to the economic development of Lagos State cannot be undermined. It has shown that you are valued and very important people to society at large. It is no gain saying that your enhanced productivity will result in a more productive workforce.”
He urged the beneficiaries to create opportunities, think creatively, and add value to the growth and development of Lagos State.
Sustainable income
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olalekan Shodehinde, who was visibly elated to engage with the beneficiaries, said the move is a way to help them build sustainable income towards contributing to the economic growth.
Shodehinde said with the empowerment of individuals with special needs in the state, the Ministry is celebrating courage, perseverance, and the power of innovation that can lead to creative solutions and inclusive business models for the development of the state.
“Entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities, breaking barriers about disability, and shaping the future. The beneficiaries have proven that disability is not in ability but ability to navigate and contribute to the world,” he added.
Lauding collaboration
In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said that the initiative is a testament to what collaboration between the ministry and agency of government could bring to drive meaningful change.
Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the participatory approach reflects the government commitment to ensuring that PWDs received training tailored to their needs and ultimately enhancing their prospects towards reliance and economic empowerment.
She said, “This initiative has catered to individuals across various disability clusters, including those with physical impairment, sensory disabilities, dwarfism, Albinism to mention but a few and it will equip the beneficiaries with valuable vocational skills to ensure their inclusion in the socio-economic landscape of Lagos State.”
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