Lafarge Africa Plc marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, December 4, 2025, alongside beneficiaries of its Disability-to-Ability Programme, also known as D2A. The event was held in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs and Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.
A statement from the organisation said the D2A Programme, themed “Ability Reimagined,” is designed to train 100 Persons with Disabilities and equip them with market relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that create access to employment, business opportunities and long term self reliance. Participants are receiving hands on training in laptop and phone repairs, make up and gele styling, wig and braid making and shoe and bag production.
To ensure inclusion and participation across Lagos State, the programme is running in two hubs, Ikeja in Lagos West and Ikorodu in Lagos East, allowing beneficiaries from various areas to take part fully.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham Douglas, said the initiative reflects Lafarge’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed gratitude to the partners for championing inclusion and supporting the success of the programme.
Graham Douglas explained that the training goes beyond technical skills, adding that beneficiaries will also be exposed to entrepreneurship, financial literacy and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF to ensure participants are not only skilled but ready to succeed as business owners or professionals.
“This programme is very important to us at Lafarge and underscores our commitment to our communities. We don’t just produce building solutions, we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best that they possibly can be,” she said. She added that “Everyone has a right to dignity, to make a living, and we believe in real opportunities. A society is not governed by the policy, it is governed by people, committed people, people who really want to make a difference. We really want to make a difference in people’s lives and an inclusive society is one where everyone can make a living and give back in their own way.”
In his speech, programme partner Tunde Onakoya encouraged participants by sharing his personal story, explaining how chess and books gave him the chance to travel around the world despite his own challenges. He urged beneficiaries to believe in themselves and take full advantage of the Lafarge D2A programme as a valuable opportunity. He encouraged them to be diligent with their talents and use them to make positive impact. He commended Lafarge for designing an initiative that empowers people living with disabilities.
Mrs Feyisayo Alayande, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, joined other key stakeholders in a speed mentoring session with beneficiaries, offering insights and career guidance.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation at LASODA, stressed that creating an inclusive society is a shared responsibility that goes beyond government. She said it requires collaboration, compassion and consistent effort from all stakeholders.
She praised the partnership between Lafarge Africa Plc and LSETF for delivering impactful entrepreneurship training to over 100 participants. “By supporting business registration and providing starter toolkits at the end of the training, you are empowering these individuals to begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence and clarity. This is the kind of thoughtful support that truly transforms lives, and we at LASODA sincerely appreciate your commitment,” she said.
The programme continues with hands on learning sessions, mentoring and enterprise support to help participants move from skill development to real income opportunities, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
