The Lagos State Government has awarded Grants-in-Aid to several women-focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
At the presentation ceremony held on Wednesday in the Ministry’s Conference Room at the Alausa Secretariat, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to supporting organisations that work with vulnerable groups.
“Today’s event highlights this administration’s dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in our society,women, widows, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised populations,” Dada said.
She explained that the Grants-in-Aid initiative remains one of WAPA’s key strategies for strengthening collaboration with NGOs that share the Ministry’s vision of empowering women and promoting social inclusion.
“By providing financial support to these organisations, we are ensuring that their work in advocacy, skill acquisition, psychosocial support, health education, and community development continues to impact those who need it most,” she added.
Dada emphasised that the government cannot tackle all social and economic challenges alone. “It is through effective partnerships with credible NGOs and community-based organisations that we can deepen impact, expand our reach, and sustain progress across society,” she stated.
The commissioner commended partner NGOs for their dedication to supporting widows, survivors of abuse, women with disabilities, and vulnerable families, describing them as indispensable allies in building a more inclusive Lagos.
“As we hand out these cheques today, I urge all beneficiaries to be transparent and accountable in the use of these funds. Every naira disbursed must translate into tangible results in the lives improved, the women empowered, and the communities transformed,” she advised.
Dada also acknowledged the efforts of the Director of the NGO Unit, Mrs. Itunu Babarinde, and her team for their diligence and integrity in managing the programme.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Onigbanjo, described the ceremony as a celebration of “partnership, purpose, and progress.” She noted that the event reflects the Ministry’s achievements under the visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose THEMES+ Agenda promotes social inclusion and women’s empowerment across Lagos State.
Onigbanjo praised the governor for transforming compassion into concrete action and lauded the commissioner for her passion and leadership. “Your commitment continues to inspire diligence and purpose within our ranks,” she said.
She also applauded the WAPA workforce and partner NGOs for their collaboration, noting that meaningful progress is achieved when government and civil society work together to ensure every woman has a voice and every family lives with dignity.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Folayemisi Adu, Executive Director of Hope Builders Skills Development and Acquisition Foundation, expressed gratitude to the governor, the commissioner, and the WAPA team for their steadfast support.
“We pledge to make judicious use of these grants to sustain ongoing initiatives that empower women and foster social development at the grassroots level,” Adu assured.
