The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has joined its counterparts all over the world to commemorate the International Day for Eradication of Poverty as part of the strategy to address the issues of poverty prevalent among women and proffer solutions.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada stated this at the commemoration of the International Day for Eradication of Poverty programme organised by the Ministry with the theme: “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity for All”, held recently at Isheri, Skills Acquisition Centre.
She assured elderly women, vulnerable women, widows, and people with disabilities gathered at the event that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu‘s administration has taken steps to ensure that they are all included in the social protection Agenda programme towards achieving a Greater Lagos.
Dada explained that the theme “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity for All” resonates deeply with the mandate of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and commitment to the eradication of poverty through various women-focused programmes in building dignified lives.
She reiterated that poverty is a multi-dimensional issue that affects individuals and communities in various ways, robbing people of their dignity, aspirations and the ability to fully participate in progressive values for any given society.
“It is a sore that festers if not well tended to, therefore, to truly eradicate poverty; we must focus on two key elements, decent work and social protection”, she said.
While elaborating on the decent work process, the Commissioner explains that providing individuals with fair wages, a safe work environment, as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth is needed to build a strong society.
The Commissioner informed participants that the State Government, through the Ministry, has empowered over 65,000 households in various empowerment programmes. “Thousands of various categories of people, through our social protection programmes, were provided healthcare, education and financial sustainability by the Ministry”, she said.
In her remarks, Mrs. Abigail Turkson, Women Leader, People with Disability in Lagos State, commended the efforts of the Ministry in delivering qualitative service to humanity through the numerous empowerment programmes.
The Facilitator and Managing Director of Manner House Academy, Mrs. Racheal Eyitayo Ariori educated participants on the strategies of business and financial management.
The highlight of the event was the gift of N50,000:00 to each beneficiary as support towards the commencement of small-scale businesses.