The Lagos State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to empowering widows across the state, ensuring their welfare and dignity are upheld.
This commitment was reaffirmed at the commemoration of International Widows’ Day, held at the Isheri Skills Acquisition Centre.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Bolaji Cecilia Dada, emphasised that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s compassionate and inclusive governance model, encapsulated in the THEMES+ development agenda, prioritises all vulnerable groups, especially widows.
She highlighted WAPA’s proactive efforts through the Livelihood Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).
“This four-week short-term training initiative operates across all five IBILE Divisions of the state, equipping widows with practical, marketable skills in various trades such as catering, hairdressing, fashion design, tie-dye and soap making,” she said.
Dada explained that through this targeted initiative, widows are empowered with practical, marketable skills, given the multifaceted responsibilities they often bear as caregivers and breadwinners.
She noted that many widows have already benefited from LEEP, with more continuing to enrol. Upon completion, participants receive start-up kits, transforming the training into a launchpad for sustainable livelihoods.
“These women return to their communities not as dependents, but as contributors to household and community prosperity,” she said.
Dada added that WAPA’s Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative has provided hope for hundreds of widows by offering financial grants, essential business tools, and crucial market linkage services.
She said, “Recognising the multifaceted challenges faced by widows, including emotional trauma, legal vulnerabilities, and social exclusion, WAPA also provides psychosocial counselling and legal advisory services through its Family Social Services and Domestic Violence Unit. “The Ministry is resolute in its stand against cultural and structural discrimination, vowing to advocate for laws and systems that uphold the rights and dignity of widows.”
She urged families, communities, and institutions to unite in ensuring that no widow in Lagos suffers in silence or is sidelined.
“Widowhood should not be a sentence to hardship, but a new chapter of courage, support and renewed purpose.
“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I salute the strength, resilience, and determination of every widow present today and across our state. You are seen. You are valued. You are supported,” she affirmed.
The Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Onigbanjo, emphasised that the gathering was not merely symbolic but a collective responsibility to support, uplift, and stand in solidarity with widows.
She expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by all present, reinforcing the belief that together, a more inclusive society can be built.
