2026 WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY: WAPA CALLS FOR STRONGER ACTION TO PROTECT HUMAN DIGNITY IN LAGOS
Read Time:2 Minute, 16 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, has called for a stronger collective action to protect human dignity and improve support for vulnerable members of society.
The commissioner made the call during an awareness walk to mark World Humanitarian Day, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing disadvantaged communities.
She said the ministry remained committed to supporting vulnerable women, children, families and other disadvantaged groups through various programmes and innovative interventions.
However, she noted that government could not achieve these objectives alone, emphasising that partnerships with registered women-focused NGOs and other organisations were essential to expanding the reach of humanitarian assistance.
According to her, such collaborations would strengthen community-based interventions, promote accountability and ensure that support reached those who needed it most.
The commissioner said the message of the awareness walk, themed “Act for Humanity: Calls for Stronger Action to Protect Human Dignity in Lagos State,” underscored the shared responsibility of individuals and organisations to protect vulnerable people and uphold human dignity.
She also commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support for humanitarian initiatives, women’s development and poverty alleviation programmes across the state.
The WAPA Commissioner said the governor’s commitment to inclusive development had created an enabling environment for interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable residents.
Hon. Bolaji Dada further appreciated the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rihanat Ajibike Onigbnajo, for her commitment, guidance and effective leadership, while commending the ministry’s directors and staff, particularly the Director of the NGO Unit, Mrs. Itunu Babarinde, and her team, for their efforts in strengthening partnerships with registered organisations.
She also acknowledged the contributions of NGOs, CSOs and members of the press, noting that their involvement was vital to raising public awareness and advancing humanitarian welfare.
The commissioner urged participants to ensure that the message of the awareness walk translated into practical action, rather than remaining a symbolic gesture.
“Humanitarian action must go beyond words, declarations and symbolic gestures. It requires sustained commitment, practical interventions and a willingness to stand up for those whose voices may not always be heard,” she said.
She encouraged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, support humanitarian initiatives and remain committed to protecting vulnerable members of society.
The commissioner said collective efforts would help build a more compassionate and inclusive Lagos State where compassion, solidarity and respect for human dignity remained shared values.
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