"In the human breast, hope springs eternal" writes Alexander Pope, these words describe the joy on the faces of the beneficiaries of the recently concluded HBM Nigeria Africa 2025 Disability to Ability (D2A) Programme, who felt seen, heard and valued as members of the society. The programme, themed 'Ability Reimagined', a four-month intensive vocational and entrepreneurship training lived up to its aim of inclusion and promotion of self-reliance as 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) were empowered with hands-on training in laptop and phone repairs, make-up and gele artistry, and making of wig and braids and shoes and bags.

True to HBM's belief in the power of collaboration to get the best out of beneficiaries and achieve shared interests, the HBM Nigeria 2025 Disability to Ability (D2A) Program was held in partnership with chess icon and changemaker Tunde Onakoya, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Social Development, and Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA). Vocational and entrepreneurial training were delivered at the initiative's two established training hubs — Ikeja Youth Centre (Lagos West) and Ikorodu Youth Centre (Lagos East).

After four months of intensive training, all roads led to Sheba Hall, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, for the completion ceremony on March 31, 2026. It was a one-of-a-kind and inspiring experience as guests and attendees witnessed an exceptional display of brilliance and creativity in the various crafts of the beneficiaries. The hall was filled with enthusiasm as the beneficiaries stood proudly by their works — proofs of their mastery in make-up and gele artistry, wig and braids making, shoe and bag making, and laptop and phone repairs.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, congratulating the beneficiaries, explained that the initiative reinforces the company's commitment to fostering equity, empowering vulnerable groups, and supporting inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. He described the programme as the company's intention to promote economic independence: "Through targeted training in digital skills, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and the creative industry, we are not only equipping participants with capabilities for today, but we are positioning them for relevance and independence for the future of work."

Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), lauded the initiative and the private-public partnership it embodies. In her parting words to the beneficiaries she said, "Your ability is really what it is. It is not defining what you have, it is what you have up there and how you use your skills to make a difference in your communities. We are here to support you at LSETF. And we ensure the structure is there, the funding is there, provided you show up."

Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, rallied for more private-sector support: "It is impossible for the government to do it alone. We must continue to form partnerships and I hope that this will also be a chain reaction for all of the many companies that we have in Lagos." He also encouraged the beneficiaries to see beyond their physicality and make the most of their talents.

One of the beneficiaries, Funmilayo Idowu, who specialised in make-up artistry and styling of headgears, narrated her ordeal as an unemployed graduate who had been denied job opportunities because of her disability as an amputee. The programme not only offered her a lifeline but also gave her inclusion: "I am excited to be a part of this rare cohort. My appreciation goes to HBM Nigeria for giving me the opportunity to meet a very good teacher in Dupsy. Now I can accurately distinguish between the various gele styles and advise on the right make-up for different occasions."

Another beneficiary, Ololade Aina, a laptop and telephone engineer, thanked HBM Nigeria, LSETF, and LASODA for finding her and other persons with disabilities worthy of an opportunity to gain economic independence. "Now, I am proud to call myself a laptop and phone technician. This opportunity is very special to me and the level of expertise of the trainers has emboldened us with the skill and confidence that we have become masters of our various crafts."

HBM Nigeria Africa not only established a commitment to continue but also to expand the programme in the future. The contentment in the eyes of the beneficiaries met the expectations of Viola Graham-Douglas, Director, Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development (CPASD), who said: "What is possible when ability is given is an opportunity to be seen, to be nurtured, and to be empowered? That question has guided us from the very beginning, and it has shaped everything that we are seeing here today."