LAGOS GOVT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE AT 2025 WOMEN ASSEMBLY (PHOTOS)
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By: Sefiu Ajape
In a strong demonstration of its commitment to women’s empowerment, inclusive governance, and well-being, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MWAPA), on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, held the 2025 Women Assembly at De Blue Roof, LTV-8, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The annual gathering brought together women from all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), including market women, artisans, widows, women living with disabilities, and those from rural and riverine communities, highlighting the state’s dedication to ensuring equitable opportunities for women across all sectors.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Victoria Olowu, emphasized the importance of women’s knowledge, opportunities, and empowerment, irrespective of age, background and status.
“This platform allows us as women to reflect on our progress, strengthening our capacity and celebrating remarkable contributions of women to the THEMES+ agenda of Mr. Governor Dr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“I urged us all that as we engage, learn and connect today, let us remember that every Lagos woman regardless of background, age, or status, deserve access to knowledge, opportunities, security, and a dignified life, because every Lagos woman is intelligent, resourceful, creative, bold and beautiful, inside and out.”
She further noted that the 2025 Assembly is a bold step to strengthen women’s capabilities through collaboration, capacity building, and collective engagement.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu encouraged attendees to apply the knowledge gained in their homes, businesses, and communities, emphasizing that progress for women requires partnership between government, private sector, civil society, and women supporting women.
Earlier in her welcome address, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, highlighted the success of previous empowerment programs and the state’s ongoing initiatives for women.
She said: “Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, through the THEMES Plus Agenda, Lagos continues to demonstrate that it is truly a gender-friendly and gender-responsive State, one that listens to the voices of women, addresses their needs, and creates opportunities for them to thrive.”
Dada detailed initiatives including the Tuition-Free Skills Acquisition Centres, the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, Life Skills and Empowerment Programmes, the Food and Nutrition Programme (Ounje L’ore Awo), and the Agricultural Empowerment Initiative, which equip women with income-generating skills and promote economic independence.
She also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in tackling gender-based violence and ensuring women’s access to health and empowerment resources across the state.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of MWAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, expressed appreciation to all participants, dignitaries, and organizers.
Her words: “We appreciate Mr. Governor, Dr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and for prioritizing women in the THEMES+ agenda.
“Our gratitude also goes to the First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her compassion, advocacy, and continuous support for women’s development.
“We sincerely acknowledge our Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, for her exceptional leadership and tireless efforts in driving impactful programmes across the State.”
Also speaking at the assembly, the Lagos State Women Leader for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas urged women to prioritize self-care alongside caring for others.
The event featured informative lectures aimed at equipping women with practical knowledge for personal and community development.
Delivering a lecture on Safety, Tosin Aduke Shobola, emphasized the importance of awareness and self-protection strategies for women in various settings.
Professor Oluranti Simeon addressed Gender-based Violence, highlighting preventive measures, legal support systems, and advocacy strategies to combat violence against women.
The 2025 Women Assembly reinforced Lagos State’s commitment to women empowerment, inclusive governance, and improved health outcomes.
Attendees were encouraged to leverage the knowledge, networking, and resources from the Assembly to drive positive change across all 57 local government areas and local council development areas in the state.
This year’s Assembly also includes free medical and health screenings for attendees, covering blood pressure checks, sugar levels, cervical and breast cancer screenings, and vision assessments, among other services.
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