LASG TARGETS FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 … Trains PWDs in Different Vocations

Lagos State Government has expressed its intention to foster financial independence among persons with disabilities through the implementation of a series of empowering initiatives and the creation of equitable opportunities for everyone. 

Speaking at the commencement of the Entrepreneurship Training Programme organised For People With Disabilities (PWDs) on Tuesday at Alimosho Local Government Secretariat, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe said that every citizen, regardless of ability, has the chance to achieve financial autonomy and contribute meaningfully to the economy of the State. 

While noting that the training programme is an affirmation of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to ensure the inclusion of all categories of Lagosians into the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, Ajigbotafe expressed the belief that the participants of the programme will in no distant future be in a position to also contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.

 The Commissioner also acknowledged the challenges of discrimination, marginalization and mobility faced by persons with disabilities, especially as they go about their daily activities, revealing that the unemployment rate for Adults with disabilities is about 9% more than double the national average. 

He said, “It is in the realization of these challenges that 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”.

He averred that despite the support accorded to this category of persons by the government, there is an urgent need for the private sector to collaborate with the government to initiate and kick-start programmes that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of persons with physical or mental challenges and indeed all Lagosians in general.         

Ajigbotafe added that having realised that financial challenge is prevalent amongst people with disabilities and its attendant effects on their mental, physical health and housing options, the state government decided to initiate the empowerment initiative specifically directed to persons with disabilities. 

In his words: “This fact led us to initiate this Entrepreneurship Training Programme that would provide sustainable means of livelihood for all participants. We intend to train participants in vocations such as Phone Repairs, Hairdressing, Makeover, Arts and Craft, Leatherworks, Shoe & Bags and Barbing, as a way of raising platforms for enhanced productivity and making it easy for all participants to set up their businesses.

 “Our instinctive stance is expected to herald an empowered and motivated crop of ready-to-go persons living with disabilities, as our concerted efforts is a resolve dedicatedly supported by our compassionate Governor”.

 On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Biodun Onayele recalled that the first edition of the Entrepreneurship Empowerment Training Programme for People with Disabilities produced about 1000 beneficiaries who were trained in different vocations and given start-up kits across three centres: Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for People with Disabilities Owutu Ikorodu, Egbe-Idimu Local Government Secretariat and Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria Amuwo-Odofin Centre. 

He said that the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in line with its establishing mandates will continue to pursue any initiative aimed at drastically reducing the rate of unemployment and empowering Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). 

Onayele, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity provided by the training by being very attentive, so that they will be able to start their own business, become employers of labour and contribute to the growth and development of not just the State, but Nigeria in general.