HBM Nigeria Plc has kicked off its 2026 Disability‑to‑Ability (D2A) programme, a six‑week vocational and entrepreneurship training scheme for 120 persons with disabilities from Alimosho and Epe in Lagos State, beginning with an orientation on 21 September.
The initiative seeks to provide practical skills that enable participants to earn a living and join the workforce. It targets 120 PWDs and covers areas such as makeup and gele tying, wig and braid making, phone and laptop repairs, and shoe and bag production.
What training will be delivered?
The six‑week curriculum, delivered in partnership with [Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)](https://lsetf.lagosstate.gov.ng), includes hands‑on sessions in the aforementioned trades plus entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, business management, sustainable livelihoods, circular‑economy concepts and green skills. Participants will complete projects and assessments, ending with a graduation showcase of their creations.
Who commented on the programme?
Viola Graham‑Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development at [HBM Nigeria Plc](https://www.hbmnigeria.com), said the D2A programme reflects the company’s belief that disability should not block economic ambition. She added, "Our approach to inclusion focuses on cultivating an environment where potential is recognised and nurtured. Through the D2A program, we equip participants with the practical skills and comprehensive business knowledge necessary to develop their abilities, earn a living, and fully engage in society."
How does this build on past efforts?
The D2A scheme expands on the 2025 edition, which trained 100 persons with disabilities across Lagos in similar trades. That cohort benefitted from collaboration with LSETF, the [Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA)](https://lasoda.lagosstate.gov.ng), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and other stakeholders, reinforcing HBM Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.