Inclusive Workforce: Lagos Commissioner Calls for More Empowerment of PWDs at DEEP Conference

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende has called for more empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

According to the Commissioner, described disability inclusion is both a right and a driver of sustainable socio-economic growth.

Ogunlende, made the call at the Disability Empowerment and Employability Project (DEEP) Conference held recently at Kano Hall, NECA House, Lagos.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The Commissioner applauded The IREDE Foundation for its decade-long impact in championing the rights of persons with disabilities.

“I commend The IREDE Foundation for 10 years of impactful work, extending limbs and raising champions,” Ogunlende said. “Your dedication to empowering persons with disabilities is exemplary and inspiring.”

He stressed that the conversation around inclusive employment must go beyond policy to practical action, noting that the newly launched Recruitment Toolkit for PWDs would be instrumental in guiding employers towards inclusive hiring practices across both public and private sectors.

Ogunlende urged all participants to take the strategies and commitments from the conference back to their organisations, ministries, and communities, with a pledge to work collectively towards unlocking greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities.

On her part, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, highlighted the efforts of the Lagos State Government to integrate PWDs through targeted empowerment initiatives and inclusive policies.

She emphasised the need to provide platforms for individuals with disabilities, particularly those at the grassroots level, to excel at higher levels of society.

Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal also drew attention to the distinct needs of caregivers, stating that while caregivers require empowerment for their roles, PWDs themselves need both employment opportunities and empowerment.

Also speaking, the Programme Associate of The IREDE Foundation, Ms. Deborah Yusuf gave an overview of the DEEP initiative and the newly launched Recruitment Toolkit, describing them as essential tools for promoting workplace inclusion and reducing systemic barriers.

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring the LASODA General Manager, among other notable experts, where participants exchanged ideas on inclusive employment, accessibility, and empowerment.

Thelensng