Lagos Empowers PWDs with Start-Up Tools to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth

The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has presented training and empowerment tools to beneficiaries of its Entrepreneurship Training Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), reinforcing the State’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and self-reliance. The presentation took place at the programme’s graduation ceremony held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, where beneficiaries were formally equipped to translate acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Lolade Aina, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s resolve to position persons with disabilities as active contributors to the State’s economic development. She noted that the empowerment of PWDs remains a deliberate policy thrust under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda.

According to the Commissioner, the entrepreneurship programme was structured to provide beneficiaries with practical entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and enterprise development knowledge, enabling them to transition from dependency to productivity and sustainable wealth creation. He emphasised that the initiative reflects the administration’s broader vision of leaving no one behind in its economic development strategy.

Earlier, in a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Aderonke Kudirat Bello, the graduands were commended for their resilience and dedication throughout the training. She described the programme as a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s belief that disability is not inability, stressing that with the right support, persons with disabilities can thrive as entrepreneurs and employers.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in advancing inclusive development. She explained that beneficiaries were selected based on identified needs through consultations with disability clusters, ensuring fairness and representation, while urging the trainees to uphold professionalism and quality service delivery to remain competitive and attract sustained patronage.