Lafarge Africa Plc has commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting participants of its Disability-to-Ability Programme, also known as the D2A Programme. The initiative was organised in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.
The D2A Programme, themed Ability Reimagined, began recently with a focus on training 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and equipping them with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills. The aim is to create access to employment opportunities, support business development, and promote long-term self-reliance. Beneficiaries are receiving hands-on training in four areas, which include Laptop and Phone Repairs, Make-Up and Gele, Wig and Braids Making, and Shoe and Bag Making.
To make participation easy for beneficiaries across Lagos, the programme was designed with two training hubs located in Ikeja for Lagos West and Ikorodu for Lagos East. This structure ensures accessibility and encourages full participation from PWDs across different parts of the state.
Speaking at the event, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed gratitude to the partners for supporting the initiative and promoting inclusion. Graham-Douglas explained that the programme goes beyond teaching technical skills and also provides entrepreneurship, financial literacy and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF. According to her, these additional sessions ensure that participants are not only skilled but also prepared to excel as business owners or professionals.
She said, “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 added, “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.”
Programme partner Tunde Onakoya encouraged participants by sharing his personal journey and how chess and reading opened doors for him despite his physical challenges. He urged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and make the most of the D2A Programme. He advised them to remain diligent and use their skills as a blessing to the world. Onakoya also commended Lafarge Africa for creating such an empowering platform.
Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs Feyisayo Alayande, joined other stakeholders to participate in a speed mentoring session with the beneficiaries.
General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, said the responsibility of building an inclusive society is shared by all. She noted that meaningful inclusion requires collaboration, compassion and consistency. She applauded the entrepreneurship training supported by Lafarge Africa Plc and LSETF, which has reached over 100 beneficiaries. She said, “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.”
