By Catherine Egwuom
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable social development at the South-West Pre-Council Technical Zonal Policy Sensitisation Workshop held on Thursday.
The workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), according to a statement by WAPA on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development (NCWASD).
The event brought together representatives from the states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti to review policy priorities and develop recommendations for the forthcoming National Council.
Among dignitaries at the workshop was the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, alongside other stakeholders from across the South-West region.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, described the workshop as a strategic platform for harmonising policy priorities and strengthening collaboration among states.
Dada said the workshop would also advance gender equality, social protection and sustainable development across the region and the country.
She said the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained committed to implementing people-centred policies and programmes that empowered women and strengthened families.
According to her, the programmes also protect children, support Persons Living with Disabilities and improve the welfare of vulnerable groups across Lagos State.
Dada said the workshop aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She said the initiative continued to complement government efforts toward empowerment, inclusion and social protection for vulnerable groups.
The commissioner said the ministry had continued to implement programmes on women empowerment, skills acquisition, poverty alleviation, family strengthening and support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
She said empowering people remained essential to achieving sustainable development and improving the welfare of families and communities.
Earlier, the National Council Desk Officer, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr Joseph Alaba , delivered the welcome remarks and facilitated technical sessions.
Alaba introduced participants to the Federal Ministry’s thematic areas of strategic policy mandate, sector priorities and expected deliverables.
He also presented the conceptual framework for preparing State Memoranda and coordinated the presentation and review of draft memoranda submitted by participating South-West states.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos WAPA, Mrs Rianat Onigbanjo, thanked the Federal Ministry for selecting Lagos to host the workshop.
Onigbanjo also commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, commissioners from participating states, facilitators, delegates, planning committee members and other stakeholders.
She said their support contributed to the successful hosting of the programme.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and developing practical, innovative and evidence-based policy recommendations for the National Council.
According to the statement, the recommendations will enrich deliberations at the 26th NCWASD and improve the welfare of women, children, families, Persons Living with Disabilities and vulnerable groups nationwide.(NAN)(www.nannews.com)
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu