By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Lagos State Government has empowered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through a business development programme aimed at promoting economic independence, business formalisation and sustainable entrepreneurship across the state.
The initiative, implemented by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), was held in Alausa, Ikeja, under the theme, “Beyond Limits: Building Sustainable and Compliant Enterprises.”
As part of the programme, 100 businesses owned by PWDs were registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), while beneficiaries received training on business development, financial management and regulatory compliance.
Building Sustainable Businesses
Speaking at the programme, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke-Osayintolu, said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting economic inclusion and entrepreneurship among PWDs.
She said the programme went beyond business registration by equipping participants with practical knowledge to improve the profitability and sustainability of their enterprises.
Oke-Osayintolu said participants were trained in areas including entrepreneurial resilience, branding and digital visibility, financial literacy, tax compliance and bookkeeping.
According to her, the training was designed to help PWD entrepreneurs build structured businesses capable of competing effectively in the wider marketplace.
LASODA Urges Entrepreneurs to Prioritise Excellence
The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged participants to make excellence the foundation of their businesses.
She noted that while attracting customers was important, retaining them depended on quality service delivery, innovation and the ability to build lasting customer confidence.
Oyetunde-Lawal encouraged the entrepreneurs to structure their businesses properly, position their products and services strategically and remain committed to continuous improvement.
She expressed confidence that entrepreneurs with disabilities could contribute meaningfully to the economic development and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Lagos State.
The LASODA general manager also urged female entrepreneurs to protect and grow their businesses through sound financial management, innovation and creativity, noting that economically empowered women could contribute to stronger families and communities.
Training Focuses on Business Growth
The training was facilitated by Mr Alani Lateef Adebayo and Mrs Adetutu Adesanya Ijasan, who took participants through practical sessions on branding, digital visibility, financial literacy, bookkeeping, tax compliance and other aspects of business development.
The facilitators also shared strategies for building resilient, sustainable and competitive enterprises while ensuring compliance with relevant business requirements.
The empowerment project is part of LASODA’s efforts to promote economic independence, financial inclusion and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State through entrepreneurship, business formalisation and sustainable economic development.
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