The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting disability inclusion and economic empowerment through the 2026 Ability Expo and Talent Hunt, a platform designed to celebrate the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial potential of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The event, held on Tuesday at the Event Hall of Ikeja Local Government Area, brought together government officials, disability advocates, professionals and participants from across the state to showcase the diverse talents and achievements of Persons with Disabilities through exhibitions, performances and competitions.
Speaking at the programme, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade Adeola, said the annual initiative was aimed at promoting inclusion, self-reliance and economic empowerment while providing opportunities for PWDs to demonstrate their abilities in crafts, music, arts, entrepreneurship and other creative fields.
She commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s continued support for disability inclusion through the THEMES+ Agenda, noting that the Ability Expo reflects the government’s commitment to building a society where no one is left behind.
According to Oyetunde-Lawal, Persons with Disabilities should be recognised for their abilities, talents, resilience and contributions to society rather than their physical limitations. She stressed that every individual deserves equal opportunities to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the state’s socio-economic development.
She also emphasised that achieving an inclusive society requires collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society organisations and the public to eliminate barriers that hinder the full participation of Persons with Disabilities. She identified access to quality education, healthcare, employment, skills acquisition and accessible public infrastructure as critical to advancing equity and social inclusion.
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of Persons with Disabilities, the LASODA General Manager encouraged participants to continue developing their talents and take advantage of available opportunities, assuring them of the government’s continued support through inclusive policies and programmes.
Delivering a lecture at the event, special needs consultant Mr. Temitope Ogundipo urged parents, caregivers and other stakeholders to identify and nurture the talents of children with disabilities from an early age, describing vocational training as an effective pathway to building confidence, independence and self-reliance.
Also speaking, Mr. Agoro Abdulrahman of the University of Lagos called for greater digital inclusion and improved access to technology for Persons with Disabilities, noting that digital literacy remains essential for education, employment and active participation in today’s society.
The Head of LASODA’s Legal Unit, Barrister Babatunde Shefiu, commended the media for its continued support in advancing disability rights and inclusion, while encouraging Persons with Disabilities to pursue excellence and remain committed to achieving their aspirations.
Highlights of the event included exhibitions of handcrafted products, dance and musical performances, product displays and talent hunt competitions, with outstanding participants receiving recognition in various categories.
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