The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has reiterated its commitment to empowering women with entrepreneurship skills through a collaboration with United Nations (UN) Women and the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA).
The Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo disclosed this during a courtesy visit of officials of the PPA and delegates of UN Women to her office.
She noted that one of the mandates of the Ministry is to empower women for financial independence and to build resourceful women who can become contributors to the socio-economic growth of Lagos State.
Kalesanwo said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu understands the crucial roles women play in shaping society, hence, the addition of PLUS to the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which is for Gender-Equality and Social Inclusion.
“Women empowerment is a very important subject, therefore, Mr. Governor is very receptive to all initiatives designed for women’s emancipation and self-actualisation which he has made quite clear under the new THEMES Plus agenda as the road map for his second term in Office”, she said.
The Director-General for PPA, Mr. Fatai Onafowote said the collaboration with WAPA and UN-Women is part of the Agency’s commitment to implement strategies for enhancing gender equality and empowering women-led businesses in the State through public procurement procedures.
“The collaboration is in line with the present administration’s objective of operating an inclusive Government in which women have a level playing field and equally benefit from the opportunities in Government through participation in public procurement”, he added.
The UN-Women Regional Director for West & Central Africa, Dr. Maxime Huoinato, applauded WAPA for its commitment to the improvement of women, just as she reiterated the determination of the UN Women towards working with the State Government to ensure increased participation of women-led businesses through public procurement in the State.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
