Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has assured that his government will keep developing impactful policies, gathering the necessary resources, and building partnerships that empower the women of Lagos to innovate boldly and lead with confidence.
The Governor gave this assurance today at the Y2025 Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Wapa Connect Conference, themed “Investing in Lagos Women, Investing in Growth,” held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the Lagos state government is focused on building solid partnerships, crafting effective, evidence-based policies, and ensuring that women across Lagos see real, measurable results.
His words, “Our mission is to equip women and their organisations with the necessary tools, training, and access to finance, enabling them to build sustainable futures, grow their businesses, and thrive. Our administration is supporting Women through vocational training, access to funding, and initiatives that foster innovation, growth, and leadership, not just for the bold, but especially for widows, single mothers, young girls, and women with disabilities.”
The Governor added that the government believes that investing in women is not just an act of charity; it is a matter of economics, justice, and prosperity, stressing that a society cannot really thrive if it leaves half of its population behind. “That is why Lagos is dedicated to this journey: intentional, ongoing, and inclusive”, he said.
Pointing out some of the initiatives of the government, Sanwo-Olu said the ‘WAPA Connect Conference’ is uniting government officials, civil society organisations, private sector partners, and everyday women from Lagos to turn that roadmap into reality.
He revealed that the recently rolled out Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap is built on the real-life experiences of women from all walks of life in Lagos: entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, students, and women with disabilities.
“This roadmap is our commitment to breaking down the systemic barriers that hinder women’s economic participation and to creating vast opportunities in entrepreneurship, skill development, traditional job markets, agriculture, and emerging industries. We are building on the successes of previous initiatives – like our vocational training programmes and life-skills empowerment events, such as “WAPA takes Empowerment to Ibeju-Lekki, and much more,” Sanwo-Olu state.
Also, speaking at the event was the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mrs. Funmi Omotoso, called for deeper collaborations that will continue to champion the values of courage, resilience, hope, and innovation that define women in the country, particularly in Lagos.
She assured that her office will continue to prioritise the empowerment and well-being of all women by promoting financial literacy, encouraging self-reliance, and exposing women to moderate parenting techniques that benefit both male and female children.
The First Lady stated that the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy roadmap is built on real-life experiences of women from all walks of life. “This roadmap is our commitment, breaking down these technical barriers that hinder women from being able to participate. And creating vast opportunities in entrepreneurship, field development, traditional health markets, agriculture, and the mining industries.”
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation & Wealth Creation, Princess Lara Olumegbon-Oyekan, noted that women have continued to stand as a powerful force for transformation in society, adding that the event celebrates resilience, brilliance, creativity, and the undeniable impact of women in shaping homes, communities, economies, and nations.
Olumegbon-Oyekan added that investing in Lagos women is investing in Lagos’ growth, and together, stressing that the state government will ensure no woman is left behind. She, therefore, pledged that the House Committee on Women, Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation will continue to support women’s initiatives and programmes that translate into lasting changes.
In the same vein, Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reaffirmed that empowering women drives growth and development in the country, adding that, by transforming individual lives, the government is multiplying opportunities, strengthening families, expanding businesses, and advancing the economy.
She informed that through WAPA, 19 Skills Acquisition Centres, and various empowerment initiatives, the Ministry has trained and supported thousands of women with vocational skills, equipment, and business support. These efforts, alongside programmes in health, nutrition, agriculture, and gender-based violence response, continue to transform lives and strengthen the role of women in Lagos State’s development, emphasising that Lagos cannot grow without women, and women cannot thrive without deliberate investment.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo said that the event serves as a rallying point, a reminder that collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and communities is essential for building meaningful progress and development in Lagos
Onigbanjo stated that “WAPA Connect has become a vibrant platform where ideas are shared, partnerships are built, and opportunities are created. It is a space where women from all walks of life, entrepreneurs, professionals, etc, come together to inspire one another and to chart pathways for greater inclusion in our State’s growth story. Through empowerment programmes, skill acquisition centres, micro-enterprise support, and advocacy, we continue to expand possibilities for women and vulnerable groups across the state.”
