IWD: Lagos reaffirms support for widows’ empowerment

...Vows to eliminate discrimination, promote economic inclusion
...Over 5,000 widows trained in short-term skills under LEEP initiative

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting widows, describing widowhood not as a life sentence to hardship, but as the beginning of a new chapter defined by courage, dignity, and economic independence.

This assurance was delivered during the commemoration of International Widows’ Day, held at the Isheri Skills Acquisition Centre, where top government officials reiterated their pledge to support and uplift widows across the state.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Bolaji Cecilia Dada, stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu places a high priority on the welfare of vulnerable groups, particularly widows, under the THEMES+ development agenda.

She noted that through the Livelihood Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), widows from all five IBILE divisions are receiving vocational training in trades such as catering, hairdressing, tie-dye, fashion design, and soap production.

“This four-week short-term training initiative equips widows with marketable skills, empowering them to fulfil their dual roles as caregivers and providers,” Mrs Dada said.

She explained that, upon completion of the programme, participants are not only awarded certificates but are also provided with start-up kits, allowing them to launch small-scale businesses immediately and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

“These women return to their communities not as dependants, but as contributors to household and communal prosperity,” she added.

Mrs Dada also outlined the ministry’s Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative, which delivers financial grants, business equipment, and access to markets, aimed at supporting widows often marginalised from mainstream economic opportunities.

Beyond financial empowerment, she noted that the ministry, through its Family Social Services and Domestic Violence Unit, provides psychosocial counselling and legal support for widows facing trauma, inheritance conflicts, and domestic violence.

“We remain determined to confront cultural and systemic discrimination. No widow in Lagos should be left to suffer in silence,” she stated, encouraging families and communities to protect the dignity and rights of widows.

Commending the tenacity of Lagos widows, Mrs Dada added, “You are seen. You are valued. You are supported.”

Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs Rianat Onigbanjo, also addressed attendees, stating that the occasion served not only as a symbolic commemoration but as a call to practical and collective action.

“Today reminds us that building an inclusive society demands unified purpose. We must stand with widows not just through words, but through policy, resources, and sustained action,” she said.

The Lagos State Government has scaled up its empowerment programmes for widows, impacting thousands annually. It continues to uphold a zero-tolerance policy against stigma, exploitation, and neglect faced by widows, while promoting dignity and inclusion through concrete interventions.