In a renewed push for gender equality and inclusive economic development, the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has empowered 1,200 women across hard-to-reach communities in the state with financial literacy training and access to digital financial services.
The intervention programme, championed in partnership with Africa HCD Plus, represents a strategic effort to deepen the grassroots impact of SDGs through collaborative action.
Speaking at the grand finale held recently in Oko Agbon, Agboyi-Ketu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs, Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi, emphasised the initiative’s transformative impact.
According to her, “Our practical commitment to empowering women at the grassroots is a direct response to reducing inequality and driving gender equity. This outreach has restored confidence, opened doors, and repositioned our women as key players in Lagos’ economic growth.
She disclosed that the initiative, which was launched less than a year ago, has already impacted women in 11 communities including Aderupoko (Iwaya), Ilaje (Bariga), Araromi-Ale (Badagry), Araromi (Ibeju Lekki), Odomola (Eredo, Epe), Taffi (Oto Awori), Oke Ira (Ifako-Ijaiye), Ijora Badia (Apapa Iganmu), Amukoko (Ifelodun LCDA), Mende (Maryland, Kosofe), and Oke-Ira (Ogba), with the grand finale holding in Oko Afon, Agboyi-Ketu, marking a significant close to the impactful phase of the outreach.
Dr. Oreoluwa affirmed that in each of the communities, beneficiaries received tailored financial literacy, digital onboarding with Opay and Cowrywise, health insurance via LASHMA, and ID verification from LASRRA and NIMC.
“In every community visited, we encountered women whose dreams had long been deferred, not for lack of will or effort, but for lack of opportunity. This initiative is closing that gap. It is more than financial access; it is about restoring hope, affirming value, and reinforcing that every woman, no matter her location or circumstance, deserves a chance to thrive”, she revealed.
The Special Adviser noted that as a practical implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) programme at the grassroots level, the outreach also involved a baseline survey exercise, including on-site data capturing, financial education sessions, and digital onboarding.
“This approach lays the groundwork for evidence-based planning, project evaluation, needs assessment, and making informed decisions to support broader intervention across HCD’s thematic areas,” she added.
Representing the CEO of Africa HCD+, Mrs. Halima Muhammad, Advocacy and Knowledge Management Specialist, described the initiative as a testimony to purposeful collaboration that was inspired by a bold and visionary commitment from the Lagos State Government under the THEMES Plus Agenda to ensure no one is left behind, particularly women in hard-to-reach communities.
She acknowledged that the project which was set out to advocate for two fundamental pillars of progress – women’s financial inclusion and data for development – has sparked transformative change in underserved communities, where women once excluded from formal financial systems are now empowered with knowledge and access, adding that Africa HCD+ is proud to support Lagos in driving people-centred and data-driven development.
The CEO further affirmed that the conclusion of the intervention phase is a transition into deeper commitment as Africa HCD+ remains ready to support Lagos and its stakeholders in the next phase of implementation – ensuring these advocacy gains translate into policy, investment and impact.
Also lending royal support to the initiative, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the traditional ruler of Agboyi Kingdom, lauded the state government and its partners for prioritizing the empowerment of women in remote and riverine communities.
The monarch further encouraged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, expressing confidence that the initiative would have ripple effects across families and the wider community. “When a woman is empowered, a whole household thrives.
“Our women are strong, resilient, and enterprising. All they’ve ever needed is an opportunity—and today, the Lagos State Government and its partners have brought that opportunity home,” the Oba declared.
The event was attended by the Office’s strategic partners including Africa HCD+, Cowrywise, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), members of the Agboyi Council of Chiefs, and executive members of the Agboyi Community Development Association (CDA).
