LASODA Registers 100 Businesses for Persons with Disabilities

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has registered 100 businesses owned by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and presented them with free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive business environment for PWDs in Lagos State.

During a two-day empowerment training for disability clusters held at the STO Resource Centre in Alausa, LASODA’s General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized the program’s goal of equipping PWDs with essential skills for economic independence and entrepreneurial success. Represented by Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, Director of Administration and Human Resources, she highlighted the program’s theme: “Promoting Inclusive Business: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Lagos.”

She stated that the initiative seeks to break stereotypes and elevate the standards of businesses run by PWDs. She further noted the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to creating inclusive policies that grant PWDs access to vocational training, self-employment opportunities, and other pathways to economic empowerment.

“Registering businesses enhances credibility, promotes financial inclusion, and positions PWDs for greater economic opportunities,” Oyetunde-Lawal said. “The essence of this program is to empower PWDs, eliminate the culture of begging, and encourage business ownership. We have registered 100 PWD-run businesses, presented them with CAC certificates, and provided training on how to succeed in their ventures.”

She added that beneficiaries of the program include entrepreneurs in various sectors, such as soap and perfume production, fashion, and packaging. LASODA aims to support these business owners in creating impactful contributions to the economy while scaling up the number of beneficiaries in future programs. The agency also plans to monitor the businesses and establish connections with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and commercial banks to facilitate access to soft loans and grants.

Beyond the distribution of CAC certificates, participants received training in entrepreneurship, business development, taxation, branding, and record-keeping.

Oyetunde-Lawal acknowledged the significant challenges of poverty and unemployment faced by PWDs and reaffirmed LASODA’s commitment to removing these barriers. She stressed the importance of providing robust business management skills to help PWDs build successful enterprises that contribute to the economy.

“Our objective is to empower PWDs to compete effectively with other entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills and equipping them to meet the demands of the business world,” she said.

She encouraged beneficiaries to focus on self-improvement, remain disciplined, and leverage the state’s continuous support to overcome economic challenges and achieve success in their ventures.