The Lagos State Council Chairmen Wives Association (LACCWA) held its periodic meeting and women empowerment programme in Badagry, reinforcing the importance of women’s participation in governance, community development and economic empowerment on Thursday.

The event, led by the President of the Association, Mrs. Abimbola Odumbaku, wife of the Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, was hosted by the Wife of the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Hunpe, alongside her counterparts from Olorunda LCDA, Mrs. Folasade Ajose, and Badagry West LCDA, Alhaja Mariam Ibrahim Yemaren, at the Badagry Local Government City Hall.

The programme brought together wives of Council Chairmen from the 20 Local Governments and 37 LCDAs across Lagos State, as well as women leaders, community stakeholders and beneficiaries from Badagry Federal Constituency.

A key highlight of the programme was a thought-provoking seminar on the role of women in grassroots participation, leadership and community development. Distinguished speakers, including the President of LACCWA, Mrs. Abimbola Odumbaku; Mrs. Abimbola Idowu Rosulu, Commissioner, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission; Mr. Seyi Bamigbade; and Hon. Sejuro Whesu Samuel, championed the critical role of women as catalysts for sustainable development, advocating greater inclusion in governance, decision-making and socio-economic advancement. They also emphasized the need to equip women with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and community development.

In her remarks, Chief Mrs. Hunpe expressed appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for their unwavering commitment to the welfare, empowerment and advancement of women. She lauded their visionary leadership and impactful initiatives, noting that their advocacy for women’s inclusion, economic empowerment and social development continues to inspire women across the country.

She further emphasized the indispensable role of women in governance, politics and every sphere of human endeavour, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved when women are actively involved in decision-making and community development processes.

Also speaking, the Council Manager of Badagry Local Government, Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Oluwakemi Senami, commended LACCWA for demonstrating that women can be more than supporters of their spouses, describing members of the association as exemplary leaders, mentors and agents of positive change who continue to impact lives through various humanitarian and empowerment initiatives.

As part of the programme, 100 women were empowered with vocational and business support items, including refrigerators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, hair dryers, popcorn machines, sewing machines, mini shops, makeup boxes and stoning machines, while others received cash grants to support and expand their businesses.

The empowerment initiative forms part of LACCWA’s ongoing efforts to complement government programmes aimed at reducing poverty, promoting entrepreneurship and improving the socio-economic well-being of women at the grassroots.

The event culminated in the presentation of empowerment items and cash grants to beneficiaries, after which members of the association embarked on a tour of Badagry’s heritage and tourism sites, showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of the ancient town.