Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has applauded the Lagos State Government for its unwavering commitment to the empowerment and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Speaking at the closing exercise of PWD entrepreneurs trained under the “Removing Barriers” initiative, Hon. Gufwan reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to fostering an inclusive society where PWDs can thrive.
The training program, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in collaboration with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), provided PWDs with vital entrepreneurial skills to enhance their financial independence. Hon. Gufwan, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of economic empowerment in breaking societal barriers that hinder full participation of PWDs in national development.
According to him: “Empowering Persons with Disabilities is not an act of charity but a deliberate strategy to invest in national development. The notion of ‘disability’ should never be seen as an inability, and this initiative is a testament to that. By equipping PWDs with the right skills and resources, we are not only fostering self-reliance but also unlocking their immense potential to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society at large.”
Commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Hon. Gufwan lauded Lagos State for being a trailblazer in disability rights, having pioneered Nigeria’s first Disability Law. He urged other states to adopt similar frameworks that ensure equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services for PWDs.
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to fostering an inclusive Lagos where PWDs have unhindered access to opportunities.
Similarly, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, reassured beneficiaries of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustaining its investment in PWDs, emphasizing that entrepreneurship remains a critical pathway to self-reliance.
As part of the closing exercise, the Director of Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Taiwo Abiose, presented certificates to the beneficiaries and announced that they would receive start-up loans to establish their businesses, ensuring they can immediately apply their newly acquired skills.
In a related engagement, Hon. Gufwan visited the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, where he engaged with key stakeholders on advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria. Discussions focused on strengthening intergovernmental collaboration, improving access to assistive technologies, and implementing policies that guarantee full participation of PWDs in all aspects of society.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and LASODA reaffirmed their commitment to working together to uphold the rights and dignity of PWDs across Nigeria. Hon. Gufwan emphasized that with the right policies and consistent advocacy, Nigeria can become a model of disability inclusion in Africa.