Lagos flags off entrepreneurship training for persons with disabilities, reinforces commitment to inclusive growth

Stanley Ihedigbo

In a major step toward building a more inclusive and economically vibrant Lagos, the state government has commenced a comprehensive entrepreneurship training programme for persons with disabilities, equipping them with practical skills to enhance their livelihoods.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State, Amb. Comr. Tijani Saheed Oluwadare (Seedorf), stakeholders, trainers, community leaders, and eager participants gathered for the official flag-off of the Entrepreneurship Skills Training Programme for People Living With Disabilities, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

The initiative seeks to equip persons with disabilities with marketable skills that can boost their economic prospects and strengthen their pathway to sustainable livelihoods.

Hosted at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nigerian Farm Crafts Centre for the Blind, Isheri Olofin, the ceremony brought together individuals with diverse abilities, talents, and aspirations.

The one-month intensive programme will provide hands-on training in Makeup and Gele, Leather Work, Hairdressing, Barbing, Arts and Crafts, and Phone Repair, skills carefully selected to support both self-employment and business expansion.

Delivering his keynote address, the energetic and visionary Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, highlighted that the programme represents far more than skills acquisition.

He described it as a reaffirmation of the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and shared prosperity.

According to him, initiatives like this align directly with the vision of Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward economic growth and sustainable development.

Hon. Ajigbotafe emphasized that human capacity development, job creation, and empowerment remain core pillars of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ developmental agenda.

He noted that the programme embodies the principle of “ability beyond disability,” demonstrating that physical limitations do not diminish human potential when the right opportunities are provided.

In her welcome address, the dedicated Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ololade Aina, underscored the broader impact of the initiative.

She explained that the training is designed not only to equip participants with skills, but also to boost their self-confidence, promote the dignity of labor, and nurture a spirit of entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities.

Adding his voice of support, the Chairman of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Hon. Idris Balogun, commended the Ministry for extending empowerment initiatives to the grassroots and ensuring that people living with disabilities are not excluded from the state’s development agenda.

The flag-off event ended on a high note, symbolizing the Lagos State Government’s commitment to fostering a society where everyone, regardless of physical ability, has access to tools, training, and opportunities for success. As Hon. Ajigbotafe aptly stated, “Ability beyond disability is not just a slogan; it is a reality we can achieve through initiatives like this.”

Kudos to the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment for championing this remarkable initiative.

The programme stands as a shining example of what inclusive governance, compassion, and strategic empowerment can accomplish for a Greater Lagos.