Lagos Empowers PWDs as LASODA Hosts 2025 Ability Games

​LAGOS – In a vibrant display of athleticism and “ability in disability,” the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) successfully hosted the 2025 edition of the Ability Games on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

​The event, held at the Isheri Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre, served as a high-octane competitive arena for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from across the state. Athletes vied for top honors in a diverse range of sports, including table tennis, shot put, ludo, chess, and para-lifting, proving that physical limitations are no barrier to competitive excellence.

​A Platform for Resilience

​Beyond the medals and podium finishes, the Games were designed to foster community integration and empowerment. Addressing the gathered athletes and spectators, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized that the initiative is a cornerstone of the state’s commitment to social inclusion.

​”The Ability Games is more than just a sporting competition; it is a platform that highlights courage and the extraordinary potential within every individual,” Oyetunde-Lawal stated. “This initiative reinforces the message that talent knows no disability and that determination has no boundaries.”

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​Driving the THEMES Plus Agenda

​The General Manager noted that the event aligns strictly with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda. The “Plus” in the administration’s roadmap specifically prioritizes social inclusion, ensuring that no resident—regardless of physical or social status—is left behind in the state’s developmental strides.

​Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal further explained that by providing a structured sports ecosystem, the state is actively breaking down the societal barriers and stigmas that often marginalize the disability community.

​Rewards and Advocacy

​The highlight of the day was the presentation of cash prizes and medals (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) to outstanding performers across the various categories. The rewards were described as both a recognition of merit and an incentive for PWDs to pursue professional paths within the broader sports industry.

​Concluding her remarks, the LASODA boss issued a passionate plea to the public. She called on parents and institutions to end all forms of discrimination, urging them to see the person before the disability.

​”Disability does not limit capability,” she stressed. “These athletes are not just competitors; they are an inspiration to us all.”

​Participants at the event expressed deep gratitude to the Lagos State Government, noting that such platforms provide a rare and necessary space to showcase their skills on an equal footing.