By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a commendable move to foster inclusion and promote mobility for persons with disabilities, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), in partnership with the Dangote Leadership Development Programme of the Dangote Group, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, empowered fourteen (14) persons with disabilities in Lagos State with brand new wheelchairs.
The heartwarming event, which held in Lagos, saw a convergence of CCD staff, Dangote Group representatives, beneficiaries, and well-wishers, all united in a common goal—to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities through mobility support and social inclusion.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome from the CCD team, who used the opportunity to express deep appreciation to the Dangote Group for prioritizing the needs of persons with disabilities and taking tangible steps to support their empowerment. The team highlighted the critical role of mobility in enabling independence, access to opportunities, and full participation in society.
Speaking during the presentation, the Internal Audit Manager of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR), Lebimoyo Olubunmi, who led the Dangote delegation, praised CCD for their consistent and impactful advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. She noted that the Dangote Group is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility and that the initiative is part of its long-standing culture of giving back to society and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Empowerment is not just about giving aid, it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive,” Olubunmi stated. “As a company that believes in equity, inclusion, and social participation, the Dangote Group through its Leadership Development Programme initiated this support project to contribute to enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities in Lagos. We hope that with these wheelchairs, beneficiaries will experience greater ease of movement and become more actively engaged in their communities.”
The highlight of the event was the symbolic and emotional presentation of wheelchairs to the fourteen beneficiaries. As each person received their mobility aid, smiles of joy, relief, and appreciation lit up the venue. Many of the recipients shared personal stories of the daily challenges they faced due to limited mobility, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing intervention.
One of the beneficiaries, visibly moved by the gesture, said, “I feel seen and valued. This wheelchair is not just equipment; it is freedom, it is dignity, and it is hope. I can now go to school, attend community meetings, and even start a small business. I am truly grateful.”
CCD’s Executive Director, David Anyaele, emphasized that disability rights go beyond policy—they must be felt in everyday life through access to essential services, assistive devices, and inclusive programs. He reaffirmed CCD’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and called on other corporate organisations to emulate Dangote’s inclusive approach to corporate responsibility.
As the event wrapped up, the Dangote team reiterated their resolve to continue supporting initiatives that improve the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disabilities. They acknowledged the partnership with CCD as strategic and impactful, promising to explore more avenues to support disability inclusion in future programmes.
This act of generosity by Dangote Group, through its leadership development programme, is a shining example of how corporate institutions can partner with advocacy organisations to drive positive change and make inclusion a practical reality for Nigerians with disabilities.
Indeed, the April 24 event stands as a testament to the fact that when the public and private sectors unite with purpose and empathy, lives are transformed and society moves one step closer to equity and inclusivity.
