The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has hosted the 2026 Ability Expo and Talent Hunt Competition, providing a platform for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to showcase their creativity, skills and entrepreneurial talents.
The event, held at the Ikeja Local Government Event Hall, brought together stakeholders, advocates and members of the disability community in a celebration of inclusion, innovation and talent development.
Speaking at the programme, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade Adeola, said the initiative was designed to promote inclusion, economic empowerment and self-reliance among Persons with Disabilities.
She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s commitment to disability inclusion through the THEMES+ Development Agenda, noting that the annual Ability Expo and Talent Hunt aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring that no one is left behind.
According to her, the programme provides opportunities for participants to showcase their talents in crafts, music, arts and entrepreneurship while highlighting the abilities, resilience and contributions of Persons with Disabilities to society.
Oyetunde-Lawal stressed that individuals should not be defined by their physical limitations but by their talents, capabilities and potential to contribute meaningfully to development.
She also emphasized the need for collective action by government, the private sector, civil society organisations and the public to eliminate barriers that hinder the full participation of Persons with Disabilities in society.
The LASODA General Manager reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to policies and programmes that protect the rights, dignity and welfare of Persons with Disabilities, while encouraging beneficiaries to continue developing their skills and pursuing available opportunities.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Special Needs Consultant, Mr. Temitope Ogundipo, urged parents and stakeholders to identify and nurture the talents of children with disabilities, highlighting vocational training as a key tool for confidence-building and social inclusion.
Also speaking, Mr. Agoro Abdulrahman of the University of Lagos advocated greater inclusion and improved digital literacy opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
The Head of LASODA’s Legal Unit, Barrister Babatunde Shefiu, commended the media for supporting disability advocacy and encouraged Persons with Disabilities to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
The event featured exhibitions of crafts and products, music and dance performances, as well as talent hunt competitions, with winners emerging in various categories.