…WAPA Leads Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue to Tackle Insecurity, Promote Safer Communities for Women, Children
In a decisive move to strengthen safety for women and children in Lagos State, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Tuesday convened an interactive session with women-focused non-governmental organisations (NGOs), advocacy groups, and public health stakeholders to chart a sustainable path toward safer homes and public environments.
Held at the Women Development Centre in Agege, the forum — themed “Homes and Public Places Safety: An Essential Way of Life” — served as a platform to identify real-world challenges faced by women and children and to forge collaborative strategies for promoting security across households, markets, transport systems, and other public spaces.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, who delivered the keynote address, underscored the urgent need for an inclusive safety framework, saying, “Safety is not a privilege — it is a right. Today’s engagement is about strengthening the voices of grassroots responders who are vital in championing protection and prevention in our communities.”
The meeting featured insights from Mrs. Oluwatosin Sobola, Director at the Lagos State Safety Commission, who stressed proactive awareness. “Staying alert, keeping emergency contacts accessible, and integrating safety consciousness into everyday routines — at home, school, and work — are essential preventive steps,” she said.
Participants, including leaders of NGOs and advocacy groups, shared lived experiences and proposed immediate interventions such as improved street lighting, community policing, better access to emergency services, and inter-agency cooperation to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Onigbanjo, acknowledged the Sanwo-Olu administration for placing women’s welfare and safety at the core of its social protection agenda.
She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to engaging stakeholders for impact-driven policy action and community-based programming.
Also in attendance were ministry directors, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Grassroots Empowerment, Mr. Kehinde Bakare, and heads of key women-focused organisations across the state.
The event concluded with a live fire safety drill led by the Lagos State Fire Service, where NGOs were trained on fire response protocols and encouraged to cascade the knowledge within their communities as safety ambassadors.
