The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing poverty and promoting economic independence among vulnerable residents through skills acquisition, financial empowerment and health education.
The ministry restated its commitment on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during the commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at the Skills Acquisition Centre, Isheri-Olowora, Lagos State. The event was themed “Ending Poverty: Building Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Communities.”
Speaking at the programme, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said poverty went beyond a lack of money to include limited access to basic necessities, essential services and economic opportunities.
Dada highlighted the Lagos State Government’s efforts under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to improve residents’ welfare through targeted poverty alleviation programmes designed to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
She noted that WAPA’s tuition-free skills acquisition centres across the five IBILE divisions provide residents with vocational training to prepare them for employment and entrepreneurship.
According to her, the ministry’s livelihood and economic empowerment initiatives also support vulnerable groups, including widows, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, young school leavers and individuals seeking financial independence.
The commissioner stressed that sustainable poverty reduction required more than temporary assistance, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants provided to strengthen their businesses, expand their operations, increase their income and improve their families’ living conditions.
She also called on community leaders, private organisations, civil society groups and individuals to support vulnerable populations and help ensure that economic opportunities reach those who need them most.
As part of the programme, representatives of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) educated beneficiaries on preventive healthcare, regular medical check-ups and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.
The representatives also encouraged participants to enrol in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, explaining that it provides access to essential healthcare services and helps reduce the financial burden of medical expenses.
In another session, facilitator Oluwafunmilayo Ayodele spoke on business development, effective financial management and strategies for expanding businesses without accumulating debt.
Ayodele advised beneficiaries to manage business funds responsibly, separate personal expenses from business finances, reinvest profits wisely and adopt sustainable growth strategies to improve their enterprises.
The programme also featured a health and nutrition session delivered by Mrs. Rufai Olatundun, who highlighted the importance of balanced diets, nutritious meals, personal hygiene, adequate water intake and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing illnesses and promoting general wellbeing.
In her vote of thanks, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction and commended Dada for her leadership.
She also recognised the contributions of the Director of the Poverty Alleviation Department, Mrs. Toyin Salami, and her team, alongside the facilitators, beneficiaries, stakeholders, members of the press and ministry staff who contributed to the programme’s success.
WAPA reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable communities through vocational training, economic empowerment, healthcare awareness and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
