…Partners Tunde Onakoya, LSETF, LASODA on Disability-to-Ability Programme
Jennifer Eze
Lafarge Africa Plc on Thursday marked the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a celebration of beneficiaries enrolled in its Disability-to-Ability (D2A) Programme, a flagship empowerment scheme designed to equip 100 persons with disabilities with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The event, held simultaneously across the programme’s two training hubs in Ikeja and Ikorodu, brought together partners from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), and Chess-in-Slums founder and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya.
The initiative, themed “Ability Reimagined,” offers hands-on training in laptop and phone repairs, make-up and gele, wig and braid making, as well as shoe and bag production.
Beneficiaries will also undergo entrepreneurship and financial literacy sessions coordinated by LSETF.
Speaking at the event, Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa, Viola Graham-Douglas, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to building inclusive communities
“We don’t just produce building solutions; we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best they possibly can be,” she said.
“Everyone has a right to dignity and to make a living. An inclusive society is one where everyone can give back in their own way.”
She explained that the addition of mentorship and business development modules ensures participants are not only skilled but fully equipped to thrive.
Inspirational speaker and partner, Tunde Onakoya, urged participants to approach the training with confidence and discipline, sharing how chess opened global opportunities for him despite facing his own challenges.
“Your talents are a blessing. Use them diligently. Programmes like this prove that disability is not inability,” Onakoya told the trainees.
LSETF Executive Secretary/CEO Feyisayo Alayande joined other facilitators for a speed-mentoring session with beneficiaries.
Representing the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, stressed that building an inclusive society requires multi-stakeholder commitment.
“Government alone cannot create an inclusive society. This partnership shows what is possible when organisations combine compassion with action,” she said.
She praised Lafarge Africa and LSETF for providing tools, business registration support, and post-training starter kits.
“This is the kind of thoughtful empowerment that truly transforms lives,” she added.
Lafarge Africa, now a member of Huaxin Cement Group, maintains one of the largest footprints in Nigeria’s building solutions sector with operations across Ogun, Gombe, Cross River, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
