Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has hosted the Ability Expo and Talent Hunt at the Ikeja Local Government secretariat.
The event provided a platform for Persons living with Disabilities (PWDs) to showcase their creativity, skills and entrepreneurial talents.
LASODA General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade, said the expo was organised to promote inclusion, economic empowerment and self-reliance, while celebrating the abilities of PWDs.
She thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s continued commitment to disability inclusion through the THEMES+ Agenda.
Oyetunde-Lawal described the hunt as a yearly programme that enables PWDs to showcase their talents in areas such as crafts, music, arts and entrepreneurship, noting that the initiative reflects the government’s vision of leaving no one behind by focusing on abilities rather than disabilities.
She said PWDs should never be defined by their physical limitations, but rather by their abilities, talents, resilience and contributions to society.
The general manager said individuals deserved equal opportunities to realise their full potential and contribute to national development.
She noted that creating an inclusive society required the commitment of government, private sector, civil society organisations and the public, to eliminate barriers that hindered the full participation of PWDs.
Oyetunde-Lawal said access to quality education, health care, employment, skills acquisition and public infrastructure remained fundamental to achieving equity and social inclusion.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that protected the rights, dignity and welfare of PWDs.
She urged them to remain confident, continue to develop their talents and take advantage of available opportunities, assuring them that the government would continue to champion initiatives that fostered inclusion, empowered vulnerable groups and ensured no one was left behind in the state’s development journey.
Delivering the lecture, a special needs consultant, Mr. Temitope Ogundipo, urged parents and stakeholders to identify and nurture the talents of children with disabilities, emphasising vocational training as a tool for building confidence and breaking barriers.
Mr. Agoro Abdulrahman of the University of Lagos, Akoka, advocated greater inclusion and digital literacy for PWDs.
The Head of LASODA’s Legal Unit, Babatunde Shefiu, hailed the media for supporting disability advocacy and urged persons living with disabilities to strive for excellence in their chosen careers.
The event featured craft exhibitions, dance and music performances, product displays, and talent hunt competitions, with winners emerging in categories.