The Lagos State government through the Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, has empowered 78 entrepreneurs with disabilities with seed funds and work tools.
The initiative, according to the government, is designed to address the economic barriers faced by people with disabilities, PWDs in the state, towards enhancing their businesses.
Speaking at the Financing and Ups-skilling project for Entrepreneurs With Disabilities held at STO Resource Centre Alausa Ikeja, with the theme:“Empowering Persons With Disabilities for Economic Independence and Self-sufficiency” the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said that the empowerment program, is a step towards ensuring that PWDs are not just passive recipients of assistance but active contributors to the economic growth of Lagos state.
Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with its THEMES Plus Agenda.is committed to policies that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equal rights for all.
“Today’s project is primarily the Lagos State government’s commitment to ensure that persons with disabilities are indeed not left behind. And what we have done is to put funds in refinancing various forms of businesses of PWDs as well as businesses done by parents of children with disabilities who have their business run down through some several factors.
“The state government is given different sums for different types of businesses to ensure that the economic lots of these families completely change and in turn reduces burden on the state government.
“This initiative goes beyond financial support, it is about capacity building, entrepreneurship development, and business support to equip PWDs with the tools and resources needed to run sustainable enterprises. Our focus remains on creating opportunities for job creation, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the economy,” she said.
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Ability in disability
The LASODA Boss acknowledged the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of people with special needs while urging stakeholders to support the government to further break down barriers, eliminate discrimination and build an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can succeed.
She urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated and focused on their businesses while judiciously using the resources provided to allow other prospective individuals benefit from the gestures.
Accessing development
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs Bukayo Odukoya, said the event is a testament to a shared commitment to an equitable and prosperous society, to ensure everyone has access to development.
She reiterated the resolve of the government to continuously support the needs of special individuals while seeking collaboration with the private sector to further initiatives to build an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
Beneficiaries at the event, thanked the State Government for its unwavering commitment to ensuring their financial and economic independence and for making lives better for Persons with Disabilities to contribute positively to the society.
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