The CleanAce Foundation and Academy, in a strategic partnership with the MTN Foundation and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has officially launched the MTN-CleanAce Inclusive Fabricare Skills Empowerment Programme. This groundbreaking initiative is specifically designed to equip Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with a primary focus on individuals with hearing impairments, with specialized, professional laundry and dry-cleaning skills.
The transformative program was formally unveiled during a press briefing on Tuesday, June 22, 2026, at the CleanAce Foundation & Academy Training Facility located within the Isheri Estate, OPIC, Lagos. By blending technical expertise with entrepreneurial training, the initiative aims to tear down structural barriers and offer participants a clear pathway toward financial autonomy, structured job placements, and recognized professional certifications.
Breaking Barriers in the Fabric Care Industry
Speaking on the vision behind the project, the Founder of CleanAce Foundation and Academy, Mr. Enibukun Adebayo, emphasized the urgent need to create tailored opportunities for Nigeria’s vulnerable populations. He noted that despite the significant number of PWDs nationwide, structural neglect remains a major hurdle to their personal and financial growth.
“Across Nigeria, we have a large number of Persons with Disabilities who face different barriers. Many times, their needs are not considered when facilities and opportunities are being created. This programme is aimed at changing that narrative by providing them with practical skills, confidence, certification, and opportunities that will help them become financially independent,” stated Mr. Enibukun Adebayo, Founder, CleanAce Foundation and Academy
Mr. Adebayo further highlighted that the alliance with LASODA and the MTN Foundation is a deliberate step toward building a sustainable ecosystem where beneficiaries can acquire globally relevant skills and build long-term, rewarding careers in the fast-growing fabric care sector.
Government Support and Impact Assessment
Endorsing the initiative, the General Manager of LASODA, represented by Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, expressed deep gratitude to CleanAce, the MTN Foundation, and all collaborating partners for their unwavering commitment to social inclusion. She reiterated that the empowerment scheme directly mirrors LASODA’s core mandate of driving disability advocacy, fostering inclusion, and expanding access to life-changing economic opportunities for PWDs across Lagos State.
The tangible impact of the training was brought to light by Moses Peter Aba, a beneficiary of the initiative. He shared an emotional testament to how the specialized training has fundamentally reshaped his outlook, stating that the practical skills he acquired from the CleanAce Foundation have not only given him a professional edge but have also drastically boosted his confidence to pursue a self-reliant future.
Strict Eligibility and Broad Stakeholder Backing
To ensure the program benefits the intended demographic, organizers have outlined strict entry criteria. Prospective applicants are required to reside in Lagos State, possess a valid LASRRA registration, be officially vetted by LASODA or its affiliate partner organizations, and hold a minimum qualification of a Secondary School Certificate.
The high-profile launch drew strong support from key community stakeholders and advocacy leaders. Notable attendees included Mr. Olubowale Shodiende, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters Nigeria; Mrs. Funmi Ogunro, Founder of the Friends of the Deaf International Foundation; and Mr. Edward Fagbohun, representing the MTN Foundation, all of whom affirmed their commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.
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