Six-week Disability to Ability programme targets economic independence, entrepreneurship and inclusive employment
LAGOS, Nigeria — HBM Nigeria Plc has launched the 2026 edition of its Disability to Ability (D2A) programme, targeting 120 persons with disabilities in Alimosho and Epe Local Government Areas of Lagos State with vocational, entrepreneurial and digital skills to promote economic independence and improve access to employment opportunities.
The six-week initiative, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), commenced with a joint orientation and launch on September 21, 2026.
The programme seeks to equip participants with practical, marketable skills that can help them establish businesses, generate sustainable incomes and participate more actively in Nigeria’s economy.
Participants will receive hands-on training in make-up and Gele artistry, wig and braids making, phone and laptop repairs, and shoe and bag production.
Beyond vocational training, the initiative will also provide instruction in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, business management, sustainable livelihoods, circular economy practices and green skills.
The programme will culminate in practical assessments and a graduation showcase where participants will demonstrate the skills and products developed during their training.
From Disability to Economic Opportunity
Speaking on the initiative, Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development at HBM Nigeria Plc, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to achieve their economic aspirations.
She stressed that disability should not prevent individuals from developing their potential, earning a living or contributing meaningfully to society.
“Our approach to inclusion centres on fostering an environment in which potential is recognised and developed. Through D2A, we equip participants with the practical skills and broader business knowledge needed to develop their abilities, earn a living, and participate fully in society,” Graham-Douglas said.
Her remarks underscore the importance of moving beyond conventional approaches to disability inclusion towards practical interventions that strengthen skills, expand economic opportunities and support self-reliance.
Building on Previous Successes
The 2026 edition builds on the company’s 2025 programme, which trained 100 persons with disabilities across Lagos State in phone and laptop repairs, make-up and Gele artistry, wig and braids making, and shoe and bag production.
The previous edition was implemented in partnership with LSETF, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and other stakeholders.
With 120 participants targeted this year, the programme represents a continuation of HBM Nigeria’s efforts to promote vocational development and economic empowerment among persons with disabilities.
However, the broader impact of such initiatives will depend not only on the number of people trained but also on participants’ access to start-up capital, assistive technology, accessible training facilities, business networks and sustainable markets for their products and services.
Skills Development as a Pathway to Inclusion
For persons with disabilities, access to vocational training and entrepreneurship support can help address some of the barriers to employment and economic participation.
By combining practical skills with financial literacy, digital competence and business management, the D2A programme seeks to prepare participants for opportunities in self-employment and the wider labour market.
The inclusion of circular economy and green skills also introduces participants to emerging livelihood opportunities linked to resource efficiency, sustainable production and environmentally responsible business practices.
To maximise its impact, sustained support beyond graduation will be essential, particularly in helping participants secure employment, establish viable businesses and overcome the physical, financial and institutional barriers that often restrict their economic participation.
HBM Nigeria’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth
HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly known as Lafarge Africa Plc, is a Nigerian building solutions company and a member of Huaxin Building Materials Group, a global construction materials manufacturer headquartered in Wuhan, China.
The company operates cement manufacturing facilities in Ogun, Gombe and Cross River states, alongside ready-mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. It is listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
Through its Disability to Ability programme, the company continues to position skills development as part of its broader inclusion and sustainability efforts.
As the 2026 training progresses, the initiative offers an important opportunity to demonstrate how collaboration between the private sector and public institutions can expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Ultimately, the measure of success will be whether the 120 participants can translate their newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods, independent incomes and meaningful participation in the economy.
The message is clear: disability should never be a barrier to economic opportunity. With relevant skills, accessible opportunities and sustained support, persons with disabilities can build businesses, create value and contribute to national development.
