.Reaffirms strengthening social protection

Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that a total of 6,753 Gender Based Violence, GBV cases were reported, while justice was secured in 2,460 in the last year, expressing commitment to curb the menace.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, disclosed this on Monday, during the 2026 ministerial press briefing commemorating the seventh anniversary in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

Dada, however, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection, gender equality and poverty alleviation programmes, aimed at improving the lives of women, young adults and vulnerable residents across the state.

Highlighting the ministry’s efforts in addressing GBV, Dada added that of the total reported cases, 6,213 involved female survivors, while 540 involved male victims.

She further revealed that justice was secured in 2,460 reported cases, comprising 2,263 women and 197 men, through the ministry’s intervention and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The commissioner added that 1,485 women received training in agriculture and farming in Badagry as part of efforts to enhance food security, boost incomes and promote economic independence among women.

Dada said the ministry remained focused on implementing programmes designed to protect vulnerable groups, empower women economically, strengthen family systems and reduce poverty in line with the administration’s development agenda.

According to her, the interventions executed during the review period were inclusive, impact-driven and community-focused, ensuring that women, widows, persons living with disabilities, young adults and disadvantaged residents have access to opportunities that improve their quality of life.

She attributed the ministry’s achievements to the people-centred leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, noting that the administration continues to prioritise social inclusion and sustainable human development.

“The progress recorded during this period is a reflection of the people-centred leadership of Mr. Governor, whose administration continues to prioritise social inclusion and sustainable human development,” Dada said.

The commissioner explained that the state’s THEMES+ Agenda has strengthened social protection systems and provided the enabling environment for the ministry to expand its interventions across Lagos.

Dada noted that government support had enabled WAPA to broaden vocational training and empowerment programmes, strengthen advocacy and response mechanisms against domestic and sexual violence, and create more economic opportunities for women and young adults.

According to her, the interventions have helped restore dignity, build resilience and improve livelihoods in communities across the state.

Dada also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships with development partners, civil society organisations, religious bodies and community stakeholders in expanding the reach and impact of the ministry’s programmes.

The commissioner disclosed that the ministry intensified skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and empowerment initiatives targeted at young adults to improve employability, encourage self-reliance and contribute to poverty reduction.

Dada also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to delivering sustainable interventions that improve the welfare of residents.