Access Holdings, NBDN to Champion Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion at 2024 Conference

The Nigeria Business and Disability Network (NBDN) is set to hold the second edition of The Nigeria Diversity and Inclusion Conference on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

To be hosted by Access Holdings, the conference will serve as a platform for employers to enhance disability confidence, foster inclusion practices, and promote job readiness for people with disabilities in the workplace. Under the theme ‘Disability Inclusion in Corporate Sustainability,’ the event aims to highlight the economic value of disability inclusion and its significance in achieving sustainable business practices.

NBDN, an employer-led initiative, recognises that disability inclusion is not only a matter of social responsibility, but also makes good business sense. By creating a disability-smart business environment, employers can tap into the potential and capabilities of over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities, thereby increasing business revenue, growth, and enhancing brand reputation.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) established the Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) to champion disability mainstreaming within the framework of workplace diversity and inclusion. NBDN, as the national body of employers in Nigeria championing disability inclusion, is an offshoot of this global network. Incubated by Sightsavers Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in 2020, NBDN is currently chaired by Access Holdings.

The conference will feature a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Head, Group Sustainability, Access Holdings PLC; Dr. Joy Shuaibu, Country Director, Sightsavers; Dr. Toyin Aderemi, Senior Global Advisor, Save the Children International; Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Affairs Director, Guinness Nigeria; Godfrey Adejumo, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business, Unilever; Tonye Osifo, CSR Manager, Total Energies Nigeria; Dr. James David Lalu, Executive Secretary/CEO, National Disability Commission; Olaitan Olatunde, Sustainability Manager, Standard Chartered, and more.

The event will feature keynote addresses, plenary and panel discussions, networking sessions, and interactive workshops, providing attendees with an opportunity to share success stories and foster partnerships for accessible workplaces and inclusive employment.