Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has assured that his administration will continue to invest in initiatives and policies that empower women to innovate and lead with confidence.
Speaking at the WAPA Connect Conference, themed “Investing in Lagos Women, Investing in Growth”, the governor, represented by his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised the government’s commitment to building strong partnerships and providing the necessary resources for women’s development.
The governor stated that his administration’s goal is to provide women with the “tools, training, and access to finance” needed to create sustainable futures and grow their businesses.
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He highlighted that these efforts are not limited to a select few but are specifically aimed at supporting “widows, single mothers, young girls, and women with disabilities.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that investing in women is not an act of charity but a matter of economic and social prosperity, as a society cannot thrive if half its population is left behind.
He pointed to the recently launched Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap, which was developed based on the real-life experiences of women from all sectors of Lagos society.
This roadmap, he said, is a commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and creating opportunities in various fields, from agriculture to emerging industries.
Also, the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, echoed this sentiment, calling for deeper collaboration to champion the values of courage and resilience that define women in Nigeria.
She assured that her office would continue to prioritise the well-being and empowerment of women by promoting financial literacy and self-reliance.
More so, Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), stated that empowering women directly drives the country’s growth and development.
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She noted that through WAPA’s 19 Skills Acquisition Centres and various initiatives, thousands of women have been trained and supported with vocational skills and business assistance.
According to Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, the “WAPA Connect” platform serves as a crucial forum for building partnerships and sharing ideas to foster inclusion and development in the state.
