The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reinforced its drive for inclusive economic growth with a business empowerment programme focused on refinancing enterprises owned by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Eko Hot News reports that the programme, tagged “Refinancing of Businesses Owned by PWDs,” was held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at LASODA’s office, bringing together selected beneficiaries from different disability clusters across Lagos State.
Speaking on behalf of the General Manager, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the Deputy Director, Finance and Accounts, Dr Kasunmu Taofikat Olatunbosun, urged beneficiaries to use the support judiciously to expand and sustain their businesses. She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to empowering PWDs through targeted interventions.
Dr Kasunmu explained that the initiative aligns with LASODA’s mandate to help Persons with Disabilities achieve economic independence by harnessing their entrepreneurial potential and building viable, self-sustaining businesses.
She noted that the programme specifically targets PWDs already engaged in business, adding that beneficiaries were carefully screened to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.
According to her, the refinancing scheme is designed to strengthen existing ventures, promote business growth, and enhance long-term sustainability for PWD entrepreneurs across the state.
She disclosed that 80 Persons with Disabilities are benefiting from the programme and expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support for disability-focused empowerment initiatives.
Beneficiaries praised the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. Mrs Ughonu Ify Matilda of the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disability of Nigeria said the support would ease the financial burden faced by caregivers and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Another beneficiary, Mr Emmanuel Jeremiah, a cobbler and bag maker living with physical disability, commended LASODA for the initiative, noting that many empowerment programmes often overlook Persons with Disabilities.
He described the refinancing support as a major boost to small businesses owned by PWDs and a step toward inclusive economic development in Lagos State.
LASODA reaffirmed that fairness, inclusion, and sustainability would continue to guide its empowerment programmes statewide.
