Our Reporter
In a bid to create a sustainable and successful business environment for the disability community in Lagos, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has registered and presented free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Certificates to 100 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Speaking at a two-day empowerment training for disabilities clusters held recently at the STO Resource Centre, Alausa, General Manager, Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said that the programme was designed to equip PWDs with essential skills to establish their business, foster economic independence and allow them to contribute to economic growth.
Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by the Director, Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, mentioned that the theme of the programme “Promoting Inclusive Business: Enhancing Opportunities for Person with Disabilities in Lagos” is apt and is a way to break down stereotypes and elevate the standards of businesses run by the PWDs.
She said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to creating policies that ensure inclusion and equal rights for PWDs, including access to vocational training, self-employment opportunities and other pathways to economic empowerment.
According to her, “Business registration enhances credibility with customers, promotes financial inclusion, so we usually encourage self-employed PWDs to register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). And the whole essence of the programme is to empower them in different ways because we want them to be in business and we want to eliminate the idea of begging.
“We have registered 100 PWD businesses and we are issuing them the certificates as well as teaching them how to be successful in their businesses.
LASODA Boss maintained that the agency is starting with 100 beneficiaries and intends to scale up the numbers with a commitment to monitor their businesses as well as activate connections with Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Commercial Banks that can give soft loans and grants to them.
Besides the presentation of the CAC certificates, beneficiaries were also offered training in Entrepreneurship Business Development, Taxation, Branding, and Record-Keeping within the 2-day period.
Oyetunde-Lawal explained that poverty and unemployment are major impediments limiting those with disabilities to participate in economic advancement, stressing that Lagos has been working to remove those barriers.
She said, “To address these barriers, it is essential to provide PWDs with robust business management skills to ensure they can build and operate successful enterprises. With proper training, they can create quality products and services, attract customers, and positively impact our economy.
“Our objective is to position PWDs to compete alongside other entrepreneurs by focusing on skill development and ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of the business world”.
She, however, urged them to focus on self-improvement and be disciplined as the State will continue to provide them with the requisite skills and knowledge required to triumph in the face of the current economic challenges.
