By Juliet Umeh

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has empowered over 100 Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, in Lagos State with digital skills to enhance their participation in the nation’s growing digital economy.

The two-day Digital Citizenship Training for PWDs, held in Lagos, focused on equipping participants with practical digital skills to improve their employment, entrepreneurship, education and everyday economic activities.

The training, organised under the theme: “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy,” was delivered by Fornido Development Company, the NCC’s consultant for the programme.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that PWDs were not excluded from opportunities created by digital transformation.

Maida said: “Participation in the digital economy now requires more than basic internet access; it requires appropriate devices, affordable and reliable broadband, digital skills, accessible platforms and secure systems.

“Digital technology could remove barriers to education and employment, support entrepreneurship and remote work, improve access to public and financial services, and promote greater independence among PWDs.”

He assured that NCC remained committed to promoting connectivity, digital skills, accessibility, online safety and meaningful participation in the digital economy.

Lead Facilitator, Binta Agbonika, said participants were exposed to practical tools that could improve their productivity and create new economic opportunities.

Agbonika said the training covered digital foundations, accessibility features on smartphones, cybersecurity, online safety, free learning platforms, LinkedIn, freelancing, email communication and effective CV preparation.

She said many participants were unaware of accessibility features such as voice typing and text-to-speech functions on their devices.

“A lot of them didn’t even know that they had accessibility settings on their devices.

“They were also taught how to protect their personal information and identify online threats,” noting that dependence on others for assistance with digital services could expose PWDs to fraud.

Also speaking, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Dr Theresa Adekola, who represented the General Manager, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the programme would help strengthen the economic independence of PWDs.

She said: “Developing their skills will enhance their economic skills. It will also give them independence because when they have economic skills, they will be able to earn their living.”

Beneficiaries said the training had exposed them to free online courses, better CV preparation, email management, cybersecurity and digital tools they could apply to their businesses and careers.

One participant, Kemi Olawale said she had learnt to prepare different CVs for specific jobs, stating that the training had given her new confidence to pursue additional skills to complement her shoemaking business.

The NCC said the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to building an inclusive digital economy where PWDs can learn, work, do business and access services with dignity and confidence.