The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (FMWASD), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has concluded a two-day South-West Pre-Council Technical Zonal Policy Sensitization Workshop ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development (NCWASD).
Held at Cordis Hotel, Ikeja, the workshop brought together commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors, technical experts, and delegates from the six South-West states to harmonise policy priorities, review sectoral issues, and prepare state memoranda for presentation at the upcoming National Council.
Declaring the workshop open, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. (Mrs.) Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said the gathering reflected the region’s commitment to developing inclusive policies that improve the lives of women, children, families, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
She highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in promoting women’s economic empowerment, supporting survivors of gender-based violence, strengthening family welfare, assisting widows and persons living with disabilities, and implementing poverty alleviation initiatives. Dada also noted that the workshop aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her women-focused interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Participants engaged in technical sessions covering the Federal Ministry’s strategic priorities, the Renewed Hope Social Impact Programme, reporting guidelines for the 26th NCWASD, and the review of draft state memoranda to ensure uniform implementation across the region.
Closing the workshop, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, described the engagement as a strong demonstration of intergovernmental collaboration aimed at improving social development and service delivery.
She thanked the Federal Ministry for selecting Lagos as host, while appreciating Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the State Executive Council, delegates, and organising teams for their support.
The workshop ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to stronger collaboration and practical policy development, expressing confidence that the resolutions reached would shape deliberations and outcomes at the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development