The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and economic well-being of widows through initiatives designed to promote self-reliance, protect their rights and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. The commitment was reiterated on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during the commemoration of International Widows Day by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
The event, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Lagos, had as its theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows,” and featured support for 733 widows across the State. Speaking at the programme, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said the government recognises the challenges faced by widows and is determined to provide the necessary support to enable them rebuild their lives, care for their families and participate actively in society.
Dada explained that WAPA’s empowerment programmes include skills acquisition, enterprise support, grants and livelihood initiatives. She highlighted the Ministry’s tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres across the five IBILE divisions, the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), which provides productive equipment to entrepreneurs, and the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP). She stressed that assistance to widows should go beyond financial support to include access to justice, protection from discrimination and harmful practices, social support and opportunities for sustainable economic participation.
The Commissioner called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that widows are treated with dignity and empowered to contribute to Lagos’ socio-economic development. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Idayat Baiyewu appreciated the State Government for its continued support, while the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner and WAPA officials for their dedication to improving the welfare of women and vulnerable groups across Lagos State.
