Ibadan, Oyo State — In a groundbreaking event aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, hosted the inaugural Forum for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan.
The forum, themed “Empowered to Achieve More,” brought together business experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and PWDs from different parts of the country, creating a platform for knowledge sharing and practical advice on career advancement and small business growth.
A New Dawn of Hope and Opportunities
The atmosphere at the event was vibrant, as participants expressed excitement and renewed hope. For many, the forum was unlike other empowerment programs they had attended, primarily due to the attention to accessibility and the genuine sense of inclusion.
One attendee, visibly elated, shared, “This is the first time I feel truly seen. I attend many empowerment events, but this one was different — they thought of everything, including the accessibility of the venue.”
The forum featured panel discussions and interactive sessions where participants gained valuable insights on starting or expanding their businesses. A business owner in attendance, whose enterprise focuses on creating accessible products, emphasized the relevance of the discussions. “The panelists addressed challenges I’ve faced for years, offering practical solutions that I can implement immediately,” he said.
Keynote Address: Addressing the Barriers to Success
The keynote speech was delivered by Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, the Director General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barr. Adekanmbi painted a picture of the current realities faced by the over two million PWDs in Oyo State, including limited access to education, vocational training, and funding opportunities.
He praised Jobberman and Mastercard Foundation for spearheading initiatives that uplift the lives of PWDs. “This forum is a step in the right direction,” Adekanmbi noted, “but more organizations need to join hands in creating opportunities for persons with disabilities. We cannot talk about inclusive development without addressing the gaps in education and financial support.”
Barr. Adekanmbi also stressed the need for government agencies, private institutions, and non-profits to increase their support for PWDs. He challenged organizations to look beyond charity and focus on creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
Interactive Q&A and Practical Solutions
The forum’s interactive Q&A session offered participants the opportunity to engage directly with experts. Several attendees asked questions on topics such as tailoring their CVs for the job market and overcoming disability-related obstacles in their career journeys.
In response, Jobberman’s Head of Partnerships, Ahmed Alaga, provided tips on how PWDs can stand out in the job market. “We encourage applicants to highlight their strengths and skills, not just their challenges. We are committed to supporting persons with disabilities by creating opportunities for training, networking, and employment,” Alaga assured.
He also reiterated Jobberman’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workforce through initiatives like the PWD Forum and the She’s More program, an initiative aimed at training 500,000 women in business and professional skills across Nigeria.
Collaboration for a Better Future
The event concluded with a call to action, urging more private and public organizations to join forces in promoting inclusivity. Barr. Adekanmbi expressed optimism that forums like this will pave the way for a future where PWDs are no longer sidelined but empowered to pursue their ambitions.
Jobberman’s collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation is part of a broader strategy to drive inclusion and economic empowerment across Nigeria. Through similar forums and targeted programs, both organizations aim to address structural barriers and equip individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the modern economy.
Participants left the event inspired and better equipped to face the challenges of entrepreneurship and employment. As one participant put it, “This forum has not only provided me with the tools to move forward but also the confidence to believe that I can succeed.”
The success of the inaugural forum signals the beginning of more inclusive initiatives. With efforts like these, the dream of a society where no one is left behind — regardless of disability — is gradually becoming a reality.
