The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has hosted the South-West Pre-Council Technical Zonal Policy Sensitisation Workshop ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development (NCWASD), reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable social development.
The workshop, held at the Cordis Hotel, Ikeja, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. It brought together delegates from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States to review policy priorities and develop recommendations for presentation at the forthcoming National Council.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ondo State, Dr. Seun Osamaye, alongside other key stakeholders from across the South-West region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. (Mrs.) Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the workshop as a strategic platform for harmonising policy priorities, strengthening inter-state collaboration, and advancing gender equality, social protection, and sustainable development.
She reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to implementing people-centred policies that empower women, strengthen families, protect children, support Persons with Disabilities, and improve the welfare of vulnerable residents across Lagos State.
Hon. Dada noted that the workshop aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for the Renewed Hope Initiative, which continues to complement government efforts in promoting empowerment, inclusion, and social protection.
She highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing interventions in women’s empowerment, skills acquisition, poverty alleviation, family strengthening, and support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence, stressing that empowering people remains central to sustainable development.
Earlier, the National Council Desk Officer of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Alaba Olugbenga Joseph, welcomed participants and facilitated the technical sessions. He presented the Ministry’s policy priorities, thematic focus areas, and framework for preparing State Memoranda while coordinating the review of draft submissions from participating South-West states.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry for selecting Lagos as host of the workshop. She also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, commissioners from participating states, facilitators, delegates, and members of the planning committee for contributing to the programme’s success.
The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration and developing practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy recommendations that will enrich deliberations at the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development and advance the welfare of women, children, families, Persons with Disabilities, and other vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
