WAPA COMMISSIONER HIGHLIGHTS WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT, POVERTY ALLEVIATION INITIATIVES
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, was a special guest this morning on the breakfast programme Your Side Mirror, aired live on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM.
During the engaging conversation, the Commissioner shed light on the Ministry’s dual mandate of promoting women’s welfare and implementing poverty alleviation programmes that also cater to vulnerable men and young adults across Lagos State.
She explained that while WAPA is primarily a women-focused ministry, the poverty alleviation department ensures inclusive support through various empowerment programmes and the Micro Enterprises Support Initiative. These initiatives, she said, are designed to uplift vulnerable residents irrespective of gender.
Hon. Dada further highlighted that graduates from the Ministry’s skills acquisition centres are not only trained in diverse vocations but are also supported with start-up tools upon graduation. This, she noted, enables them to immediately put their skills into practice and achieve economic independence.
Speaking on how beneficiaries are selected, the Commissioner explained that WAPA works closely with the social register domiciled in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to identify vulnerable and indigent residents. Additionally, beneficiaries are drawn through partnerships with registered women groups, community development associations, landlord associations, and other recognised community structures.
She also mentioned WAPA’s Livelihood Economic Empowerment Programme, a dedicated four-week training initiative implemented across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State. This programme focuses on equipping indigent Lagosians with practical skills to improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty at the grassroots.
The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed WAPA’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the collective effort towards sustainable empowerment and inclusive growth in Lagos State.
She also noted that these empowerment programmes are extended to rural communities and riverine areas, where Ministry staff often travel across waterways to deliver training and support directly to residents.