The Lagos State Government has declared its goal to empower people with disabilities and provide fair opportunities for everybody by putting in place a number of measures that would help them become financially independent.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the Entrepreneurship Training Programme for People with Disabilities (PWDs) at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, stated that every citizen, regardless of ability, has the potential to achieve financial autonomy and make a significant contribution to the State’s economy.
Ajigbotafe expressed the belief that programme participants will soon be able to contribute their share to the socio-economic development of Lagos State, even though he acknowledged that the training programme is an affirmation of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s efforts to ensure the inclusion of all categories of Lagosians into the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
The Commissioner also revealed that the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities is approximately 9% higher than the national average, highlighting the difficulties that people with disabilities face in terms of discrimination, marginalisation, and mobility, particularly when going about their daily lives.
“The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently donated 50 wheelchairs, 170 walking sticks, 75 white canes, and 69 crutches to 364 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) to aid their mobility in realisation of these challenges,” the statement said.
He claimed that even though the government provides support for this group of people, the private sector must work with the government immediately to develop and launch initiatives that will significantly improve the lives of those who struggle with physical or mental health issues as well as those of Lagos residents in general.
Ajigbotafe continued, “The state government decided to initiate the empowerment initiative specifically directed to persons with disabilities after realising that financial challenge is prevalent among people with disabilities and that it has attendant effects on their mental, physical health, and housing options.”
According to what he said, “This fact led us to initiate this Entrepreneurship Training Programme that would provide all participants with sustainable means of livelihood.” We want to provide training in professions like hairdressing, phone repairs, makeovers, arts and crafts, leatherworking, shoe and bag manufacturing and barbering in order to elevate the bar for increased productivity and facilitate the establishment of enterprises for all participants.
He declared that the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment will keep pursuing any effort meant to significantly lower the unemployment rate and empower people with disabilities (PWDs), in accordance with its established mandates.
As a result, Onayele urged the recipients to seize the chance presented by the training by paying close attention, as this will enable them to launch their own companies, hire employees, and support the expansion and advancement of Nigeria as a whole as well as the State.