… To Collaborate With WAPA on Women Empowerment

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is set to introduce new programmes geared towards women empowerment and financial independence.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, disclosed the initiative during the visit of a 13-member delegation from Borno State Women Affairs and Social Development, led by its Commissioner, Mrs. Zuwaira Gambo, to the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja, promising to ensure a sustainable collaborative effort for the mutual benefit of the two States.

Mrs. Dada noted that the Ministry’s policies, programmes and activities are focused on providing a safe space for women, as well as empowering them for financial independence towards becoming major contributors to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.

She averred that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who doubles as a #HeforShe Sexual and Gender-Based Champion, understands the importance of women in the ‘Greater Lagos’ journey, hence, he is very receptive to all initiatives designed for women self-actualisation and empowerment.

Her words: “Every Department and Unit in WAPA is running with the vision of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration based on the understanding that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation. Mr. Governor has graciously approved that the once in a year Skills Acquisition Empowerment programmes for women in the State should now be held quarterly, so as to empower more women”.

Speaking further on the Ministry’s empowerment programmes, the Commissioner said: “On completion of our programmes, beneficiaries are equipped with certificates and starter packs for various vocations ranging from Wig-Making and Hair-Braiding, Make-Up and Gele-Tying, Tie and Dye, Catering and Confectionaries, Garments Stoning, Pomade-Making, Insecticide and Stove Wick, Ankara Craft and Interior Decorations, amongst others”.

“Our activities also involve ensuring that victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) are also encouraged to speak up and speak out against any form of abuse so that they could start their journey to recovery. The Ministry will also make sure that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the full extent of the Law in order to dissuade others from following the path of such condemnable actions”, she added.

Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Borno State Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Zuwaira Gambo, thanked the Ministry for the warm welcome, noting that the visit was to enable the Borno State team to compare notes on policies and strategies in view of the laudable activities and achievements of the Lagos State Government, through WAPA, on women affairs and empowerment in Lagos.

Gambo, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Women Affairs Department, Mrs. Falmata Gambo, reiterated the commitment of the Borno State Government to the socio-economic development of women, pointing out that the study tour of Lagos would enhance the attainment of the mandates of her Ministry, especially in initiating more women-focused empowerment programmes.

“We are very impressed with what we have learnt today and we hope that this marks the beginning of our collaboration in the fight for women and the girl-child”, she said.