WAPA flags off 2025 World Humanitarian Day
The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, commemorated the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, themed “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.”
The event kicked off with a Humanitarian Walk from Shoprite Bus Stop, Alausa, through Awolowo Way, to the Lagos State House of Assembly, and back to The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, where the Honourable Commissioner delivered her keynote address.
In her remarks, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada emphasised that World Humanitarian Day serves as a global recognition of individuals who dedicate their lives to improving the welfare of others. She noted that the year’s theme aligns perfectly with WAPA’s core mandate to empower, protect, and include the vulnerable and underserved members of society.
According to her, at WAPA, our interventions go beyond advocacy. We are committed to uplifting lives through empowerment, protection, and inclusion. Through our Skills Acquisition Centres, we continue to provide women, youth, and vulnerable persons with vocational and entrepreneurial training to promote self-reliance, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Honourable Commissioner also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing support for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) through empowerment programmes and psychosocial assistance, as well as the continuous efforts of the Domestic Violence Unit, which provides counselling, legal aid, rehabilitation, and shelter for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
While appreciating Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and inclusive governance, Hon. Dada stated that the Governor’s THEMES Plus Agenda continues to exemplify compassion, innovation, and sustainable development.
She also commended the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, for her steadfast leadership, and the Director of the NGO Unit, Mrs. Itunu Babarinde, for her team’s effective coordination and partnership with stakeholders that ensured the success of this year’s commemoration.
Hon. Dada concluded by calling on all Lagosians to embrace acts of kindness, empathy, and solidarity, noting that Humanitarian work is not limited to those with official titles every act of kindness, no matter how small, strengthens the fabric of our society.
The celebration featured goodwill messages, interactive engagements, and renewed calls for collective action towards building a more compassionate and inclusive Lagos.
The event was graced by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, Directors and Management Staff of the Ministry, representatives of women-focused non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Groups, community volunteers, and members of the media.
They all reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting humanitarian values and strengthening community resilience across Lagos State, in line with WAPA’s mandate to uplift women, children, and vulnerable persons.
