The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare, dignity and economic well-being of widows through sustained interventions aimed at promoting self-reliance, protecting their rights and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) commemorated International Widows Day at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Lagos.
The programme, themed “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows,” featured support for 733 widows as part of the State Government’s continued efforts to improve their welfare and livelihoods.
Speaking at the programme, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said the State Government recognises the challenges confronting widows and remains committed to providing support that will enable them to rebuild their lives, care for their families and participate meaningfully in society.
Dada said WAPA continues to implement empowerment initiatives through skills acquisition, enterprise support, grants and livelihood programmes.
She highlighted the Ministry’s tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres across the five IBILE divisions, the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), which provides productive equipment to entrepreneurs, and the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).
The Commissioner stressed that support for widows must go beyond financial assistance to include access to justice, protection from discrimination and harmful practices, social support and opportunities for sustainable economic participation.
She also acknowledged the contributions of registered female-focused Non-Governmental Organisations under WAPA, noting that their interventions complement the government’s efforts to support women and vulnerable groups across Lagos State.
Dada called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that widows are treated with dignity, protected from discrimination and given opportunities to contribute to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.
She reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to an inclusive Lagos where women, regardless of their circumstances, can access opportunities to become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
The commemoration further reinforced the State Government’s commitment to providing sustained support for 733 widows, while advancing justice, dignity and economic opportunities for widows across Lagos State.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Idayat Baiyewu expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner for their continued attention to the welfare of widows.
She commended WAPA for its empowerment initiatives and for providing a platform where widows can receive support, encouragement and opportunities to improve their circumstances.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, appreciated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support for women and vulnerable groups.
She also commended the Commissioner, Heads of Departments and Units, particularly the Director, Women Affairs Department, Mrs. Olufunke Shyllon, for their dedication.
Onigbanjo reaffirmed WAPA’s commitment to promoting justice, dignity and economic power for widows across Lagos State.