Women Empowerment: Lagos Unveils Roadmap to Break Barriers Hindering Development

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July 23, 2025
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Segun James

Lagos State Government yesterday unveiled a roadmap designed to break the barriers hindering the development of women in the state. The governor, MrBabajideSanwo-Olu, disclosed this at the launch of Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy at Muson Centre, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said at the heart of the roadmap were five key pillars of agriculture, entrepreneurship, traditional labour market, emerging industries, and education and skill acquisition.

He said through those pillars the policy sought to bridge existing gender gaps, strengthen financial inclusion, promote digital and technological equity, and advance women’s leadership in critical sectors.

Lagos State is the second, after Kaduna State, to domesticate the national policy.

Lagos State WEE Policy Roadmap was developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address the systemic challenges faced by womenfolk.

Sanwo-Olu said at the launch, “It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the official launch of the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap, an initiative that reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth.

“Lagos State, as we know, is Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, teeming with opportunities across various sectors. However, despite our economic vibrancy, women, who constitute nearly half of our population, continue to face substantial barriers in education, skill acquisition, access to finance, and participation in both traditional and emerging industries, including agriculture and technology.”

The governor stated, “Today’s event marks a pivotal step in changing that narrative.

“This roadmap aligns not only with our state’s developmental agenda but also with national policy frameworks and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It also proposes innovative solutions that challenge socio-cultural barriers and implement gender-responsive governance based on data-driven strategies.

“This participatory approach helped shape a contextual and inclusive understanding of who a woman is in Lagos State: a woman is not only defined by her biology but also by her social, cultural, and economic realities. Her aspirations and challenges, from youth to old age, must be central to the policies we design.”

He added, “One major insight from our consultations is that, across sectors, from agriculture to STEM fields, women still face deeply entrenched barriers: limited access to land and credit in agriculture; legal and infrastructural challenges in the labour market; cultural norms that deprioritise girls’ education; and the underrepresentation of women in emerging industries.”

Sanwo-Olu said, “This roadmap is not just a document; it is a strategic tool for unlocking the full potential of the women of Lagos State. Empowering women economically does not only lift individual households, it strengthens our communities, grows our economy, and secures a prosperous future for generations to come.”

He urged every stakeholder to come together with a conviction through collaboration, saying, “We will shape a Lagos that stands as a beacon of inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment—a city where every woman is not only welcomed but actively empowered to realise her full potential and lead the way to lasting progress.”

Minister of Women Affairs, ImaanSulaiman-Ibrahim, at the event commended the First Lady, Senator OluremiTinubu, for advancing support for Nigerian women.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Mrs. Agnes Abraham, said, “I am happy to be in Lagos, Lagos is a beacon of diversity and development. Lagos reflects the possibility of gender inclusivity.

“As we launch the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment, I urge you to increase budgeting allocation for women empowerment. WEE is not a standalone instrument, it aligns with Nigeria’s development plan.”

She regretted that despite having over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population as women, only 4.3 per cent of the National Assembly members were female.

“When women are absent in decision making process, it affects maternal issues,” the minister stated.

She pointed out that the women affairs ministry’s broader mandate placed it on a pedestal in line with Renewed Hope Agenda.

UN Women Country Representative, Beatrice Eyong, said, “For us, economic empowerment of women is the entry point for real empowerment. When women are empowered, they can do more than expected. This is more than just policy declaration; it is a bold declaration of intent. It signifies a Lagos where every woman and girl has to thrive.

“The five pillars can drive change for empowerment and sustainable development. It aligns with our mission to support government, to support practical growth.”

Eyong maintained that with WEE, families would be improved and economic development would be accelerated.

She, however, advised, “Achieving this requires a strong commitment to political will.

“UN is ready to accompany you on this journey to ensure no woman is left behind. Let’s turn this roadmap to concrete action.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, (WAPA), Hon. Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said, “Today is not just the unveiling of a policy; it is the affirmation of a collective resolve to break barriers, expand opportunities, and elevate the economic power of women across Lagos State.

“This roadmap offers a well-defined strategy to address the systemic challenges limiting women’s participation in the economy, from limited access to finance and skills to gender-based constraints in both traditional and emerging sectors.”

Dada disclosed that through a rigorous 12-month domestication process enriched by stakeholder dialogues, the ministry had developed a policy that was practical, people-driven, and inclusive of every segment of the female population, including the Iyalojas, professionals, and women living with disabilities.

According to her, the policy outlines clear, actionable strategies to expand women’s access to finance, digital platforms, market linkages, and entrepreneurial support.

She stated that the roadmap would break down gender stereotypes that inhibited women’s participation in high-growth and non-traditional industries.

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Coast Now Clear for Fubara, State Lawmakers’ Return on Sept 18, Says Wike

*Fubara, loyalists shun LG elections

*Ibas: Rivers on path of full democracy*RSIEC to declare results of elections today

*Suspended speaker, Amaewhule hails polls

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday declared that with the successful conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State, the coast was clear for the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the members of the state House of Assembly to power at the expiration of the state emergency in the state on September 18.

This is as Wike hailed the residents and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) for what he described as peaceful elections, despite the low turnout at yesterday’s council polls in the state.
Similarly, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), also expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the elections, describing it as a decisive and positive step toward restoring full democratic governance at the grassroots level.

However, Fubara and some of his loyalists boycotted the elections.
But the suspended Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, also described the election process as smooth and commended the electoral umpire for conducting a transparent election.
The Chairman of RSIEC, Dr. Michael Odey, stated that while results would be counted at the polling units, winners would only be announced at the RSIEC office after final collation.

Wike, who spoke to journalists shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit 007, Ward 9, Rumueprikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in the state, expressed the optimism that by September 18, the emergency rule would be lifted and all the elected political office holders who were suspended would return to their positions.
Speaking on the turnout of voters to the polls, Wike said: “I have to say this, I watched your outfit, particularly when they said there is apathy. That is not correct. We should have the experience of Nigerian voters in elections. So, when you go to the polling point by 9, you expect people to be out by that time; that’s not the usual case.

“I only expect that you go to the rural areas like the Etche, Ikwerre, Emuoha, Abodua, like Ahoada East, Ahoada West LGAs, and see what is going on. We have about 7,000 polling units, and you just go and take two polling units in the commercial city that you know, that there are no residents there, and then you judge that there is apathy, but you see what has happened there now,” Wike said.

Wike commended security agencies and RSIEC for a non-violent election in the state.
“Look at the security agencies; you haven’t heard of any violence; you’ve not heard of carrying of the ballot boxes; you see election materials are where people are casting their votes; commend them!” Wike said.
Speaking further on the emergency in the state, the FCT minister stressed: “I do know that on the 18th of September, the state of emergency would expire, and then, that would mean that the state governor and state assembly will come back to their job, and then, we will have a representative at the grassroots level.

“Remember the Supreme Court, and if the LG election was not conducted, it would mean that there is no representative at the grassroots level, which would not be acceptable to the people of Rivers State. So, having done this, the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted. It means that the LG has representatives, and the state government has its own representatives. So, we are good to go,” Wike added.

Fubara, Loyalists Shun Elections

Meanwhile, Fubara and some of his loyalists boycotted yesterday’s elections.
Some of the loyalists of the suspended governor, who were absent at their polling units include: Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edison Ehie; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; and the sacked 23 LGA chairmen.
Also, the members of the Simplified Movement, a socio-political organisation, loyal to Fubara, were not at the voting centres.
Voting started at Fubara’s unit in ward 5, Opobo, in Opobo/Nkoro LGA, around 11 am, and ended around 3:30 pm, without the suspended governor participating in the exercise.
There were strong indications that Fubara may have travelled outside the country before the polls took place.

Ibas: Rivers on Path of Full Democracy

Also, the state’s Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the elections, describing it as a decisive and positive step toward restoring full democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Ibas, who monitored the elections across several local government areas, commended the conduct of voters and election officials for creating a calm and secure atmosphere for the exercise.
The administrator visited the Emohua Council Secretariat, the Okporowo/Ogbakiri community, Igbu Ogbo village in Ahoada East, and Ogbunuabali town in Port Harcourt City LGA, where he observed proceedings and interacted with citizens.

Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Ibas described the peaceful environment at the polling units as clear indicators that the people of Rivers State were eager to reclaim and participate in grassroots governance.
He further confirmed that situation reports from across the state’s 23 LGAs corroborated his first-hand observations, pointing to a smooth, credible, and largely incident-free exercise.
“Generally, the situation has been calm and seamless across the state. We have not received any major negative reports, which is a testament to the collective desire for peace and normalcy,” he said.
The administrator stressed that the people of Rivers have shown their desire to elect a legitimate leadership that they can identify with at the local level.

He insisted that the successful polls were in direct alignment with the primary objective of his mandate to stabilise the state and return it to democracy.
“Certainly, all indigenes of Rivers State want and deserve grassroots leadership they can call their own. That is what this process represents. For me, facilitating this foundational tier of democracy is a core objective of my mandate: to put the state back on its stable, democratic path and to empower its people”, Vice Admiral Ibas added.
Also, speaking after casting his vote at his Unit 15, Ward 1, Obio/Akpor LGA, the suspended Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaewhule, said the election process was smooth and commended the electoral umpire for conducting a transparent election.

Amaewhule lauded the professionalism demonstrated by officials who conducted the polls, expressing optimism that the results of the exercise would be a true reflection of the expectations of candidates and the electorate.
He said: “Everything went smoothly. Those who are here to conduct the elections are very professional. I’m really impressed with the way RSIEC has conducted the election. People are in the queue – no fighting, no struggling, no snatching of ballot boxes.”
Also, the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, commended RSIEC for the smooth process of the election. He gave the commendation shortly after he had cast his vote at Polling Unit 11, Ward 5, Elelenwo, in Obio/Akpor.

Chinda described the chairmanship and councillors’ polls as one of the best conducted in the state in recent times.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of RSIEC, Dr. Michael Odey, had earlier stated that while results will be counted at the polling units, winners will only be announced at the RSIEC office after final collation.
As at press time last night, there was an expectation that the result would be declared today.
About 17 political parties participated in the elections.
In the LGAs monitored by THISDAY, including PHALGA, Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bolo, Khana, Eleme, Oyigbo, Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Okrika, Tai, Gokana, Abua/Odual, and Degema, voting commenced between 10.30 am and 11.30 am.

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*Fubara, loyalists shun LG elections *Ibas: Rivers on path of full democracy*RSIEC to declare results of elections today *Suspended speaker, Amaewhule hails polls Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Minister
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Police Probe El-Rufai’s ADC, SDP Meeting; Claim Ex-Gov’s Thugs Fired Gunshots

*Suspend all unauthorised political gatherings in Kaduna

*Warn hotels, event centres against hosting political meetings

*El-Rufai condemns thuggery, lawlessness

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into an alleged meeting of factions of political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), linked to the former governor of the state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which reportedly degenerated into violence and sporadic gunshots.
The state police command also suspended all unauthorised political gatherings in the state and warned that hotels, event centres, and similar facilities would henceforth be held liable if they host political gatherings without first notifying security agencies.

However, El-Rufai, who attended the event, condemned the attack on the political gathering, calling it “a dangerous descent into lawlessness.”
The violence, according to a statement issued yesterday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, occurred after a political gathering said to have been convened under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) without prior notification to security agencies.
The statement noted that despite repeated warnings, the organisers went ahead with the meeting, a development that allegedly created a fertile ground for thugs to unleash violence.

Hassan explained that preliminary findings showed that “political gangsters and thugs attached to the former governor” were involved in the shooting that disrupted public peace and order in the state.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disruption of public order and peace in the state,” he said.
Hassan noted that the command would not spare anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed, warning that nobody was above the law.

The police further disclosed that it had approached the ADC leadership to clarify the issue, but the party officials denied knowledge of such a meeting and distanced themselves from any gathering allegedly linked to El-Rufai.
“The command wishes to state categorically that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone found culpable, irrespective of his personality and no matter how highly placed, if he acted contrary to the law, will face the full weight of the law.
“The police command further launched an inquiry from the ADC party secretariat to keep the records straight. “According to the party officials, they denied knowing of any meetings and refuted the claim of the organisers. The ADC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and distanced themselves from the claims of the former governor,” the spokesman said.

He also warned that hotels, event centres, and similar facilities would henceforth be held liable if they host political gatherings without first notifying security agencies.
“Any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the Police or other relevant security agencies will equally be held liable.
“This measure is to ensure due process is followed and to prevent thugs or miscreants from hijacking such gatherings to cause mayhem or breakdown of law and order,” he added.
The state police command’s spokesman stated that the police have suspended all unauthorised political gatherings across the state until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured, noting that the move was in the overall interest of peace and public safety.

“In the interest of peace and public safety, the command further announces that all such unauthorised gatherings are to be suspended until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured,” Hassan added.
Violence erupted at the official inauguration of a transition committee jointly set up by opposition parties in the state when suspected political thugs stormed the event, attacking participants and vandalising property.
The event was said to have descended into violence when hoodlums armed with cutlasses, clubs, and stones disrupted the proceedings.
Several attendees were injured, and vehicles were destroyed.
Despite the attacks, the inauguration continued, though under tense and volatile conditions.

El-Rufai Condemns Thuggery, Lawlessness

Meanwhile, El-Rufai, who attended the event, condemned the attack, describing it as “a dangerous descent into lawlessness.”
He warned that political thuggery in the state must be stopped, alleging that senior police officers at the scene, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police, “stood by and watched” as the violence unfolded.
“If the authorities don’t end the introduction of thuggery into Kaduna politics, God help us. Nobody has a monopoly on violence or thugs.
“We will take decisive steps to ensure this does not repeat itself,” El-Rufai said.
He also vowed to escalate the matter to the Police Service Commission (PSC), claiming that the police had violated regulations by failing to intervene.
Reacting, ADC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Jafaru Sani described the attack as “sad and unfortunate,” noting Kaduna’s long history of political violence.
“We will never be intimidated or forced to retreat. We will continue to pursue our political activities with all the energy and commitment we have,” he added.
However, the Kaduna State APC Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate, denied any involvement by the ruling party, insisting that the APC does not sponsor or support political thuggery.
“The ADC and other opposition groups are free to carry out their activities without harassment,” he said.

The post Police Probe El-Rufai’s ADC, SDP Meeting; Claim Ex-Gov’s Thugs Fired Gunshots appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

*Suspend all unauthorised political gatherings in Kaduna *Warn hotels, event centres against hosting political meetings *El-Rufai condemns thuggery, lawlessness John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kaduna State Police Command has launched
The post Police Probe El-Rufai’s ADC, SDP Meeting; Claim Ex-Gov’s Thugs Fired Gunshots appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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