By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to promote economic inclusion, gender equality and social protection through a wide range of empowerment programmes targeting women, widows, rural dwellers, vulnerable groups and survivors of gender-based violence across the state.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, where she highlighted major achievements recorded by the ministry under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
According to the Commissioner, the ministry's interventions over the past year have focused on creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening women's participation in economic activities, expanding access to healthcare and nutrition, and providing support systems for vulnerable residents.
One of the flagship initiatives highlighted was the Ministry's agricultural empowerment programme at Avia Farm in Badagry, where women and men are trained in cassava cultivation, garri processing, vegetable farming, fish farming and palm oil production. Dada disclosed that 1,485 women benefitted from the programme within the last year, contributing significantly to food security, job creation and economic resilience.
To further promote agribusiness and financial inclusion, beneficiaries of the agricultural scheme were integrated into the WAPA Women in Agriculture Cooperative Society, established to enhance women's participation in agriculture and agribusiness while providing access to resources and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The ministry also organised a specialised training programme on regulatory requirements for agricultural products in partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), equipping 250 women entrepreneurs and agricultural stakeholders with knowledge on product registration, packaging, labelling, hygiene and quality control standards.
In line with the state's digital inclusion agenda, the ministry implemented a Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Training Programme for artisans, market women, market men and young adults. Participants received practical training on online business promotion, social media branding, customer engagement and digital transactions. To support the practical application of the skills acquired, 600 beneficiaries were provided with Android phones to strengthen their digital business activities.
The Commissioner noted that the intervention has improved digital literacy, enhanced self-reliance and expanded economic opportunities for women and youths across the state.
On nutrition and family welfare, Dada said the ministry sustained its "Ounje Lo Re Awo" initiative through which nutritionists and dieticians educate women on healthy eating habits, family nutrition and lifestyle management. Beyond awareness campaigns, 600 vulnerable families received food items including rice, beans, eggs, vegetables and poultry, while beneficiaries also had access to free medical screenings for hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, cervical cancer and eye-related conditions.
The ministry's Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP) also recorded significant success, with 1,500 beneficiaries from Agbowa, Agbado, Ibeju-Lekki and Lagos Island receiving vocational training and starter packs in various trades including hairdressing, barbing, catering, paint production, fashion accessories, soap making and event decoration. The programme also accommodated persons living with disabilities and victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
As part of efforts to support rural women, the ministry commemorated the International Day for Rural Women in Epe, where 406 women benefitted from empowerment initiatives and cash grants in recognition of their contributions to community development, agriculture and food security.
The Commissioner further disclosed that more than 10,000 women participated in activities marking International Women's Day across the state during the period under review, reflecting growing engagement in programmes promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
Similarly, over 1,000 widows received cash grants and empowerment materials through programmes organised to commemorate International Widows' Day, helping many beneficiaries establish small businesses and regain financial independence
In another intervention, more than 7,000 sanitary towels were distributed to vulnerable women and schoolgirls during Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations, alongside sensitisation campaigns aimed at promoting menstrual health awareness and reducing stigma.
At the grassroots level, the ministry organised Women Assemblies across the state's 57 local governments and local council development areas, engaging 2,850 women in discussions focused on leadership, community development and policy participation. Another 500 participants took part in the WAPA Connect initiative designed to strengthen collaboration among professionals, elite women, non-governmental organisations and government institutions.
The ministry also strengthened institutional support for women through the launch of the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment Policy Roadmap, making Lagos the second state in Nigeria to domesticate the policy. The roadmap focuses on education and skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture, traditional labour markets and emerging industries as pathways for closing gender gaps and expanding economic opportunities.
On gender-based violence, Dada said the Domestic Violence Unit continued to provide mediation, counselling, sensitisation, referral and emergency support services across the state. The ministry also strengthened collaborations with development partners, law enforcement agencies and international organisations to improve protection for victims and enhance access to justice.
She disclosed that in 2025 alone, 6,753 gender-based violence cases were reported across Lagos State, while 2,460 survivors obtained justice, 3,099 received recovery and support services, and 273 survivors benefitted from livelihood support initiatives. Additionally, 116 offenders were prosecuted, while more than 75,000 preventive actions were implemented to combat gender-based violence across communities.
The Commissioner also highlighted the launch of the Lagos State Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Policy for tertiary institutions, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at establishing a zero-tolerance approach to sexual abuse, strengthening reporting mechanisms and creating safer learning environments for students and staff.
Dada reaffirmed the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to protecting vulnerable residents, empowering women economically and ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the state's development agenda.
She said the achievements recorded by the ministry underscore the government's determination to build a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous Lagos where women, children and vulnerable groups are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.
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