LAGOS – The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are empowered to thrive, as it hosted the 2026 Ability Expo and Talent Hunt, a colourful event that celebrated talent, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities.
Held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Event Hall of Ikeja Local Government Area, the annual event attracted government officials, disability advocates, development partners, academics, entrepreneurs, and members of the public who gathered to witness the remarkable abilities of Persons with Disabilities.
The Expo transformed the venue into a vibrant marketplace of innovation and creativity, with participants exhibiting handcrafted products, artworks, fashion items, and entrepreneurial ventures while entertaining guests with inspiring music, dance, and other cultural performances.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade Adeola, said the Ability Expo and Talent Hunt remains one of the agency’s flagship initiatives designed to promote inclusion, economic empowerment, self-reliance, and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
She commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for disability inclusion through the THEMES+ Agenda, noting that the administration has consistently implemented policies and programmes that improve the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities across the state.
According to her, the annual programme goes beyond celebrating talent; it is a deliberate effort to challenge stereotypes, dismantle prejudice, and demonstrate that disability should never be viewed as a limitation to success.
“The Ability Expo and Talent Hunt is a platform that shifts society’s attention from disability to ability. It gives Persons with Disabilities the opportunity to showcase their creativity, entrepreneurial skills, resilience, and innovations while inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of physical limitations,” she said.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal stressed that Persons with Disabilities should be recognised for their talents, competence, determination, and invaluable contributions to society rather than being judged by their impairments.
She further emphasized that every citizen deserves equal opportunities to access education, healthcare, employment, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, technology, and accessible public infrastructure, describing these as essential pillars for achieving equity, dignity, and sustainable development.
She called on government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners, and the general public to work together in removing barriers that continue to prevent Persons with Disabilities from participating fully in social, political, and economic life.
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment, she assured participants that LASODA would continue to champion programmes and policies that protect the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities while creating more opportunities for empowerment and inclusion.
She also encouraged Persons with Disabilities to remain confident, invest in their talents, embrace innovation, and seize available opportunities, assuring them that the government remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Special Needs Consultant Mr. Temitope Ogundipo urged parents, caregivers, teachers, and stakeholders to identify and nurture the unique talents of children with disabilities from an early age.
He noted that vocational education and practical skills development remain powerful tools for promoting independence, boosting self-confidence, reducing unemployment, and enabling Persons with Disabilities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Also speaking, Mr. Agoro Abdulrahman of the University of Lagos, Akoka, advocated greater digital inclusion for Persons with Disabilities, stressing that digital literacy has become indispensable in today’s economy.
He urged governments, educational institutions, and technology stakeholders to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are equipped with digital skills that will enable them to compete in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the global digital marketplace.
In his remarks, the Head of LASODA’s Legal Unit, Barrister Babatunde Shefiu, applauded media organisations for amplifying disability issues and promoting public awareness on disability rights.
He encouraged Persons with Disabilities to pursue excellence in their chosen professions, emphasizing that determination, competence, and resilience remain the foundations of success.
One of the highlights of the event was the talent hunt competition, where participants displayed exceptional abilities in music, dance, arts, crafts, and entrepreneurship. Winners emerged in different categories and were honoured for their outstanding performances amid applause from the audience.
Beyond the entertainment and exhibitions, the 2026 Ability Expo and Talent Hunt served as a powerful reminder that when barriers are removed and equal opportunities are provided, Persons with Disabilities can excel as innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, and leaders.
The event reinforced LASODA’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive Lagos where every resident, regardless of disability, is empowered to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the state’s social and economic development.
