The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has empowered 150 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by facilitating the registration of their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and providing enterprise development training to promote sustainable entrepreneurship.
Eko Hot News reports that the empowerment programme, themed “Beyond Limits: Building Sustainable and Compliant Enterprises,” was held at the STO Resource Centre Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, as part of efforts to strengthen disability-owned businesses across Lagos State.
The initiative combined business formalisation with practical enterprise development training, giving participants the tools needed to build compliant and successful businesses.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osayintolu, said the programme reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to promoting economic inclusion for Persons with Disabilities.
She explained that the initiative goes beyond business registration by equipping participants with practical entrepreneurial skills that support long-term business growth and financial sustainability.
According to her, registered businesses stand to benefit from greater credibility, improved access to business opportunities, and stronger participation in the formal economy.
The Permanent Secretary noted that participants received training in entrepreneurial resilience, branding, digital visibility, financial literacy, bookkeeping, and tax compliance.
She said these skills are essential for building resilient enterprises capable of adapting to changing market conditions while meeting regulatory requirements.
Oke-Osayintolu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to creating opportunities that enable Persons with Disabilities to become economically independent and self-reliant.
Also addressing participants, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, encouraged entrepreneurs to pursue excellence in every aspect of their businesses.
She explained that attracting customers is only one part of business success, adding that quality service, innovation, and customer satisfaction are equally important for long-term growth.
Oyetunde-Lawal advised participants to build well-structured enterprises, improve the visibility of their products and services, and remain committed to continuous learning.
She expressed confidence that entrepreneurs with disabilities would make meaningful contributions to Lagos State’s economy through successful and sustainable businesses.
The General Manager also encouraged female entrepreneurs to manage their businesses responsibly by embracing sound financial practices, innovation, and creativity.
According to her, empowering women economically contributes to stronger families, more resilient communities, and broader economic development.
Facilitators at the training, Mr. Alani Lateef Adebayo and Mrs. Adetutu Adesanya Ijasan, led practical sessions covering key aspects of enterprise development.
Participants received guidance on branding strategies, digital marketing, bookkeeping, financial management, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements for small businesses.
The facilitators also shared practical approaches to improving business competitiveness, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring sustainable growth.
Many participants described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that the combination of business registration and enterprise training would enhance their confidence as entrepreneurs.
Business experts have consistently highlighted the importance of formal business registration in improving access to funding, partnerships, and wider market opportunities.
Entrepreneurship training also plays a critical role in helping business owners strengthen management skills, improve financial planning, and build resilient enterprises.
The Lagos State Government has continued to implement programmes that promote inclusive economic development by supporting vulnerable groups through skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives.
LASODA remains committed to advancing equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities by encouraging business ownership, financial inclusion, and economic participation.
The agency believes that empowering disability-owned businesses will contribute to job creation, increased productivity, and sustainable economic growth across Lagos State.
Observers say initiatives such as this demonstrate the state’s commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of physical ability, has access to opportunities for personal and economic advancement.
With the successful empowerment of 150 entrepreneurs, LASODA has reinforced its mission of promoting inclusion, enterprise development, and financial independence while supporting the Lagos State Government’s vision of building a more inclusive and prosperous economy.
