Lagos reaffirms commitment to women’s empowerment, inclusive growth
By Emma Ogbuehi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing impactful policies that will empower women in areas of innovation and leadership.
Sanwo-Olu stated this at the Lagos State Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation’s flagship conference, ‘WAPA Connect’ with the theme: “Investing in Lagos Women; Investing in Growth.”
Sanwo-olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the critical role women play in the socio-economic development of Lagos State and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to policies and programmes that empower women as engines of sustainable growth, vision for an inclusive, innovative and prosperous Lagos.
“WAPA Connect Conference is our flagship 2025 event, uniting government officials, civil society, private sector partners, and everyday women across Lagos.
“This year’s theme underscores our strong commitment to making policies practical and impactful, ensuring measurable outcomes for women’s empowerment across Lagos State,” he said.
He explained that the state recently launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap, aligning with its agenda to dismantle systemic barriers to women’s economic participation.
“Our aim is to advance the WEE Roadmap by executing programmes that benefit women and girls while integrating them into Lagos’ economy.
“We are committed to improving data on women’s participation, while strengthening alliances with NGOs, women-led organisations, and stakeholders delivering effective empowerment programmes,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor also commended the Commissioner, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, and WAPA staff for their hard work which has led to the engagement of women and girls through diverse empowerment initiatives.
Earlier in her address, the WAPA Commissioner described the programme as a unique platform that enables women from all backgrounds to connect, network, and explore opportunities.
She said the theme was a reminder of the immense benefits society derives when women are empowered and supported.
“Such forums build bridges across industries and generations, fostering collaboration and support that inspire women to dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve greater.
“This theme reminds us that empowering women transforms lives, multiplies opportunities, strengthens families, expands businesses, and drives growth in Lagos State’s economy,” she added.
She emphasized that every naira invested in a woman is an investment in growth for her family, business, and the broader national economy.
Dada highlighted that since Sanwo-Olu’s administration began, WAPA had made significant achievements thus: 17,213 women and youths have been empowered through the Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative; 28,913 students have graduated from the State’s 19 Skills Acquisition Centres; 270 NGOs have been registered under WAPA to strengthen women-focused advocacy and service delivery; and 18,241 residents have benefitted from the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).
She added that WAPA’s ‘Purple Project,’ supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, had offered counselling, legal aid, and empowerment support to rebuild lives.
“Since inception, 28,913 students have graduated from our skills acquisition centres, with 70 per cent of MESI beneficiaries empowered with work tools.
“At our Avia farm in Badagry, 5,494 women have been trained in cassava cultivation, vegetable farming, palm oil production, and fish farming,” she said.
According to her, these initiatives have strengthened food security and created employment opportunities in Lagos State.
Dada commended the state government’s continuous support, stressing that WAPA’s achievements reflect Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of placing women at the heart of development.
She emphasized that these interventions were designed not only to create wealth but also reduce unemployment, promote self-reliance, and ensure inclusiveness across the State.
“When we invest in women, we invest in families, communities, and indeed in the growth of Lagos State. WAPA CONNECT provides the platform to showcase how far we have come and the brighter future that lies ahead through partnerships and continued investment in women,” she said.
The event brought together policy makers, development partners, women entrepreneurs, NGOs, and grassroots representatives, creating a robust platform for networking and collaboration to deepen women’s participation in economic and social development.
In her goodwill message, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the Ministry for its commitment to improving the lives of women across Lagos State. She was represented by the wife of Honourable Commissioner for information and Strategy, Mrs. Funmi Omotoso.
The Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Job Creation, Honorable Omolara Oyekan Olumegbon, praised the initiative as a forward-looking platform that not only celebrates women’s contributions but also underscores their potential to drive innovation and growth in Lagos State.
The year 2025 WAPA CONNECT was graced by former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan and Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.
On hand to welcome them was the Permanent Secretary MWAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo.
