The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the workforce, as Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, called for more practical steps to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs).
He made this call during the Disability Empowerment and Employability Project (DEEP) Conference, held at the Kano Hall, NECA House, Lagos.While applauding The IREDE Foundation for a decade of impactful service, Ogunlende described disability inclusion as a fundamental right and a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development.
“I commend The IREDE Foundation for 10 years of impactful work—extending limbs and raising champions. Your unwavering dedication to the empowerment of persons with disabilities is truly inspiring,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized that inclusive employment should move beyond policy discussions to concrete action.
He welcomed the launch of the Recruitment Toolkit for PWDs, noting that it offers practical guidance for public and private sector employers to foster inclusive hiring practices.
Ogunlende also urged participants to take the knowledge and strategies from the conference back to their various institutions and communities to drive collective progress.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, outlined the government’s strategic interventions aimed at integrating PWDs into the economic and social fabric of the state.
She stressed the need to empower not only individuals living with disabilities but also their caregivers, while reinforcing the importance of addressing the needs of those at the grassroots.
The DEEP Conference featured a panel discussion on accessibility, inclusive employment, and the reduction of systemic barriers.
Programme Associate of The IREDE Foundation, Ms. Deborah Yusuf, provided insights into the DEEP initiative and the newly unveiled Toolkit, positioning them as transformative tools to reshape workplace culture and expand opportunities for PWDs across Nigeria.
