In a vibrant celebration marking the one-year anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration led by His Excellency Sen. Bola A. Tinubu GCFR, key stakeholders gathered for the 2nd Nigeria Diversity and Inclusion Conference hosted by the Nigeria Business Disability Network. The event, held at the Access Holdings headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, focused on the pivotal theme of “Disability Inclusion in Corporate Sustainability.”
The conference was a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive corporate environment in Nigeria. Dr. James David Lalu, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of disability inclusion in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate sector.
“Disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative; it is crucial for the sustainability and growth of our corporate ecosystem,” Dr. Lalu stated. He outlined several key points essential for achieving this goal, including the establishment of a robust legal framework, the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and the necessity of accessibility in all corporate infrastructures.
Dr. Lalu also highlighted the importance of inclusive employment practices, ensuring that supply chain management incorporates disability considerations, and fostering community engagement to support persons with disabilities (PWDs). He stressed the need for disability awareness training for employees, inclusive marketing strategies, and innovation aimed at benefiting PWDs. Additionally, he called for greater industry collaboration to share best practices and drive collective progress.
“I emphasized on the far-reaching benefits of disability inclusion, stating, “Prioritizing disability inclusion enhances a company’s reputation, strengthens its brand, and amplifies its social impact. It is a testament to the company’s commitment to equitable and sustainable business practices.”
The event was attended by representatives from some of Nigeria’s leading corporate organizations, all of whom have committed to aligning with the Disability Act and enhancing their inclusivity practices. These businesses recognize that prioritizing disability inclusion not only enhances their reputation and brand but also significantly boosts their social impact.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards recognizing the commitment of various corporations to disability inclusion. Among the awardees were Access Bank, Airtel, British American Tobacco, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Friesland Campina, Guinness Nigeria Plc, MTN, Total Energies, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank, and Unilever Nigeria Plc. These companies were commended for their exemplary efforts in integrating disability inclusion into their corporate sustainability strategies.
The conference also served as a platform for sharing success stories and strategies for overcoming challenges in disability inclusion. Representatives from the awarded companies shared their experiences and insights, providing valuable lessons for other businesses looking to enhance their inclusivity efforts.
Access Bank, for instance, showcased its innovative programs aimed at improving workplace accessibility and creating job opportunities for PWDs. Airtel highlighted its CSR initiatives that support disability communities, while MTN discussed its comprehensive disability awareness training programs designed to foster an inclusive workplace culture.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to continue championing disability inclusion within their organizations. The collective pledge to comply with the Disability Act and support PWDs reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity in driving corporate sustainability and societal progress.
The 2nd Nigeria Diversity and Inclusion Conference underscored the significant strides made over the past year under the Renewed Hope Administration and set the stage for continued advancements in disability inclusion. As corporate Nigeria embraces this crucial aspect of sustainability, the future holds promise for a more inclusive and equitable business environment, benefiting not only PWDs but society as a whole.
