LAGOS, Nigeria – June 3, 2025
In a heartening move towards building an inclusive workforce in Nigeria’s commercial capital, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting inclusive employment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The agency recently embarked on a strategic courtesy visit to the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet in Surulere, Lagos — a location that has become a beacon of corporate inclusivity by employing a significant number of deaf staff members.
The visit, led by LASODA’s General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, marked an important step in the agency’s ongoing mission to identify and remove barriers that hinder equal participation of PWDs in the workplace. More than a symbolic gesture, the visit was part of LASODA’s broader initiative to evaluate, encourage, and support disability-inclusive business practices across the state.
“Our goal is not just representation but meaningful inclusion,” said Oyetunde-Lawal during the visit. “We are inspired by what KFC Surulere is doing — giving deaf Nigerians the opportunity to work with dignity, develop skills, and contribute to society.”
An Inspiring Example of Corporate Inclusion
The KFC Surulere branch has quietly but powerfully transformed its operations to accommodate deaf employees, including integrating basic sign language skills into customer service processes and fostering a culture of acceptance among customers and staff.
The LASODA team toured the premises, interacted with staff, and observed firsthand the seamless integration of deaf employees into everyday operations — from food preparation to customer service. According to the management of the branch, employing persons with hearing impairments has not only improved team dynamics but has also challenged prevailing stereotypes about the capabilities of persons with disabilities.
“They are among our most hardworking and dedicated staff,” said a KFC manager. “They prove every day that disability does not mean inability.”
This sentiment was echoed by the deaf staff members themselves, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work and thrive in an environment that respects their abilities. Some shared their journeys from social exclusion to professional fulfillment, highlighting how employment has changed their lives and boosted their confidence.
LASODA’s Vision: A Lagos Where Everyone Belongs
The visit aligns with LASODA’s renewed drive to mainstream disability inclusion across the state, particularly in the employment sector. With over 3 million persons with disabilities in Lagos State alone, the agency acknowledges that employment is one of the key pillars of inclusion and empowerment.
“When we talk about disability rights, we are talking about human rights. Everyone deserves a chance to earn a living, be self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to their community,” said Oyetunde-Lawal.
She reaffirmed LASODA’s commitment to deepening partnerships with public and private sector actors to advance workplace inclusion, ensure physical and attitudinal accessibility, and foster environments where all Lagosians — regardless of ability — are treated with dignity and equity.
In her words, “We are not just focusing on compliance, but on transformation. We want companies to not only meet accessibility standards but to exceed them — to become champions of inclusion.”
Call to Action: More Businesses Must Embrace Inclusion
While the example set by KFC Surulere is commendable, LASODA noted that many organizations still have a long way to go in creating truly inclusive workspaces. Issues such as inaccessible infrastructure, lack of assistive technologies, discriminatory hiring practices, and negative workplace attitudes continue to exclude PWDs from employment opportunities.
To address these challenges, LASODA is calling on businesses across Lagos to:
- Conduct accessibility audits of their physical spaces.
- Adopt inclusive recruitment policies that prioritize ability over disability.
- Provide on-the-job accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or screen readers.
- Sensitize all staff on disability etiquette and the value of inclusive work cultures.
The agency also promised to offer technical support, policy guidance, and training to willing employers ready to embark on the journey of inclusive transformation.
Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility
As Nigeria grapples with high unemployment and economic disparity, especially among persons with disabilities, initiatives like those championed by LASODA signal a vital shift in public policy — from pity to empowerment, from tokenism to meaningful participation.
The visit to KFC Surulere is not only a recognition of progress but also a clarion call to action: that inclusion is not charity, but a necessity for sustainable development.
LASODA’s proactive leadership and support for disability-inclusive business practices may well pave the way for Lagos to become a national — and even continental — model of accessibility, equity, and opportunity.
