IWD: APC reaffirms commitment to women empowerment

2026-03-08 - 14:28

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has celebrated women worldwide on International Women’s Day. The party said women remained central to the growth, stability and development of families, communities and the economy. The Lagos APC Spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos. Oladejo said the party joined the global community in celebrating women and recognising their resilience, strength and invaluable contributions to society. He noted that successive APC administrations in Lagos had prioritised policies and programmes to empower women and expand their opportunities. Oladejo said: “Today, we salute the resilience, strength, and invaluable contributions of women to the growth and development of our society. Women remain the backbone of families, communities, and the economy, playing vital roles in shaping a prosperous and inclusive Lagos. “As a progressive party, the Lagos APC is proud of the deliberate policies and sustained efforts of successive APC-led administrations in Lagos State aimed at empowering women and expanding opportunities for them to thrive.” Oladejo said Lagos had continued to maintain significant female representation in governance and public service. He said women currently served as commissioners, permanent secretaries, legislators, special advisers, heads of agencies and High Court judges in the state. “This reflects the party’s belief that inclusive leadership strengthens governance and policy outcomes,” the spokesman said. He said the state government had also implemented economic empowerment initiatives targeting women entrepreneurs, traders and artisans. According to him, the programmes include microcredit schemes, capacity-building, and support structures for cooperatives. He said: “Economically, APC-led governments in Lagos have supported thousands of women entrepreneurs, traders and artisans through targeted empowerment initiatives. “These include access to microcredit schemes, capacity-building programmes and cooperative support structures that strengthen household incomes and the state’s economy. “Women across markets, small businesses and creative industries have benefited from these interventions.” Oladejo added that Lagos had continued to implement policies to protect women and support vulnerable families. He said social intervention programmes had improved the welfare and livelihoods of many women across the state. “In the area of social protection and welfare, Lagos has continued to implement policies that protect women from abuse, expand access to healthcare and promote girl-child education. Through various social intervention programmes, vulnerable women and families have received support to improve their livelihoods and well-being. “Additionally, women in agriculture, technology, education and the creative economy continue to benefit from training programmes, grants and innovation support initiatives.” Oladejo said the achievements demonstrated the APC’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment. He said: “On this International Women’s Day, the Lagos APC reaffirms its resolve to continue supporting policies that promote women’s participation in governance. “We will also strengthen economic opportunities for women and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to achieve her dreams. “To every woman across Lagos State and Nigeria, we celebrate your courage, resilience and outstanding contributions to our society.” Vanguard News