Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment
By Adewunmi Okoh
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to placing women at the heart of its economic development agenda, emphasising inclusive growth and expanded opportunities across critical sectors of the state’s economy.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, made this known on Tuesday during the International Women’s Day celebration for women engaged in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and nano businesses.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, under the theme: “Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment for Inclusive Growth in Lagos State.”
Ambrose-Medebem noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu continues to prioritise policies that promote women’s economic empowerment, describing such initiatives as vital to the overall development of Lagos State.
She explained that economic empowerment extends beyond theoretical discussions, stressing that it involves enabling women to earn sustainable incomes, own assets, invest in businesses, and influence decisions that affect their lives.
According to the commissioner, the state government has moved beyond rhetoric by implementing targeted policies and forging strategic partnerships aimed at increasing women’s participation in sectors such as trade, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and the creative industry.
She also underscored the importance of capacity building, noting that access to finance alone is insufficient without the requisite skills, knowledge, and professional networks. To address this gap, she said the government continues to invest in programmes that equip women with practical business management skills, digital competencies, and improved access to markets, thereby removing barriers that limit their economic participation.
Ambrose-Medebem further advocated the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for women, stating that increased female representation in governance would complement ongoing economic empowerment efforts and foster more inclusive decision-making.
She assured stakeholders that Lagos State would continue to strengthen institutional frameworks that prepare women not only for economic participation but also for leadership roles across various sectors.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of MCCTI, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo, said the event was organised to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial contributions of Lagos women.
He highlighted the broader societal benefits of empowering women, noting that it leads to stronger families, thriving businesses, and more resilient communities. Onigbanjo added that the ministry is actively collaborating with private sector stakeholders, development partners, and financial institutions to expand opportunities for women and support their transition from subsistence-level enterprises to sustainable and scalable businesses.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Hausa Adeeyo, expressed confidence that participants would gain valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their economic activities.
She reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting women in transitioning from informal to formal business structures by simplifying business registration processes and improving regulatory awareness.
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