By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive economic growth, placing women at the center of its development strategy.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, made this known during the celebration of International Women’s Day for women in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and nano businesses. The event, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking on the theme, “Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment for Inclusive Growth in Lagos State,” Ambrose-Medebem stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently promoted policies that empower women economically. She emphasized that empowerment goes beyond theory, describing it as the ability of women to earn income, own assets, and influence decisions that shape their future.
The Commissioner noted that the state has moved from rhetoric to action by implementing targeted policies and partnerships aimed at increasing women’s participation across key sectors, including trade, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and the creative industry. She added that the state continues to invest in capacity-building programs to equip women with practical business and digital skills.
Ambrose-Medebem also used the platform to advocate for the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for women, aimed at increasing female representation in governance, noting that economic empowerment must align with political inclusion.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MCCTI, Babatunde Onigbanjo, highlighted the broader impact of empowering women, noting that it leads to stronger families and more resilient communities. He stated that the ministry is strengthening collaborations with private sector stakeholders and financial institutions to create opportunities for women to scale their businesses beyond the subsistence level.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on CCTI, Hauwa Adeeyo, reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting women in transitioning from informal to formal business structures through simplified registration processes and increased regulatory awareness.
The event brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society, reinforcing Lagos State’s drive to accelerate women’s economic empowerment as a pathway to sustainable development.